What I Wish I Knew Before My Paris Solo Trip: French Culture, American Exceptionalism, Hostel Life

I’m Malick, a New York City based flight attendant and independent culture correspondent telling stories across America and beyond.

I recently went on a solo trip to Paris, France 😊🇫🇷! It was my first time going abroad alone and I had such an incredible time learning about this part of the world and how it differs from where I’m from, New York and the United States as a whole. I spent some time gathering a bunch of cultural nuances and other interesting things I learned to share with you. And, I of course, give you some tips I wish I knew before I went so that you can plan your trip a little more in the know than I was.

0:00-1:11 I went to Paris!!
1:12-2:16 the Eiffel Tower is 100% worth the hype
2:17-2:43 let’s talk about what others won’t
2:44-4:36 Do you NEED to know French?
4:37-5:17 You should cop this book for your travels
5:18-7:05 what is language, anyways?
7:06-9:29 idc if you get lost tbh, THIS is what actually matters
9:30-10:37 If you were in New York…I’d talk English to you…
10:38-13:07 “My English is not very good” – Hostel Barista
13:08-15:18 learning someone’s language is a form of respect
15:19-16:58 I think airlines should pay for this for cabin crew….
16:59-19:52 “Tell the French they’re Sooooo Rude” – A Very Kind American (LOL)
19:53-22:14 You actually know A LOT of French, yes YOU!
22:15-24:30 please vs si vous plaît
24:31-27:04 when in Paris you RUN the metro
27:05-29:22 This is what people misunderstand about Paris and New York
29:23-30:01 keep up (Paris) vs. KEEP TF UP (NYC)
30:02-32:15 French Dining Culture…at least there’s no tipping
32:16-33:22 how are you supposed to get the check if they don’t CHECK on you!
33:23-33:49 “they do NOT eat or drink while walking” – Elena Taber
33:50-35:34 I had to sneak veal into a napkin to take it to go LOL
35:35-36:25 The Rules of Popular Paris Coffee Shop Culture: no filming, no laptops
36:26-37:46 French Dining Culture vs. Popular Paris Coffee Shop Culture
37:47-38:14 What if the cafe rules are less about laptops and more about connection?
38:15-43:19 Popular Paris Cafe, RECTO VERSO, was moved to speak on their rules by my TikTok
43:20-44:31 EU requires these kinds of caps on water bottles these days
44:32-45:55 Me again, and again: Why don’t we do this in the US?
45:56-49:38 How American Exceptionalism Breeds an Anti-Travel Culture
49:39-50:55 thoughts on accessibility
50:56-52:43 Parisian lifestyle: wired headphones, all black fits, and the model look
52:44-55:27 they smoke a PACK A DAY????!!!
55:28-56:55 do other countries just have public toilettes??
56:56-57:51 I passed a migrant camp in the center of Paris
57:52-58:22 Did I feel safe in Paris?
58:23-59:42 Practical Tips for a hostel stay: what to bring, and….expect the unexpected
59:43-1:00:19 just order this off amazon before you fly out
1:00:20-1:00:37 you need a hostel with these three things
1:00:38-1:01:08 where the goooood hotel deals will be!
1:01:09-1:01:53 you gotta fly JetBlue 😉
1:01:54-1:05:23 Here’s to you, finding your Paris!

🏨 Where I Stayed
Hostel – The People Paris NATION
28 Bis Pl. de la Nation, 75012 Paris, France

PARIS NATION

Hotel – The Paris France Hotel
72 R. de Turbigo, 75003 Paris, France
https://www.paris-france-hotel.com/

🥖 My Other Paris Videos

I’M SCARED TO TRAVEL ABROAD SOLO…I’M DOING IT ANYWAY 🇫🇷

a REAL DAY SOLO TRAVELING PARIS 🥐

Young, Drunk, and Alone in PARIS: Pondering Travel Guilt and Belief in Love 🍷

❤️ My Affiliate Links

🌎 Damon Domonique Language Courses
Spanish 1: https://courses.damondominique.com/a/aff_s7wgjlv1/external?affcode=775807_iyxc7krw
French 1: https://courses.damondominique.com/a/aff_6wr4zpgt/external?affcode=775807_iyxc7krw

💵 Chase Freedom Card
https://www.referyourchasecard.com/18N/N03SP507NT

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🕺🏾TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highvibey

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Love,
Malick