Hi there! I’m Tomo, writing from beautiful Colorado, USA. Welcome to “Tomo Travel & Camping”! This is where I share tips and stories from our family’s adventures, inspired by our life here in America.
So far, I’ve mostly focused on guide-style posts to help travelers. However, recently I’ve been getting lots of questions on Instagram, like, “How does your family travel?” That got me thinking—why not share more personal stories about our adventures?
That’s why I’m excited to introduce family travelogues to the blog! In addition to the usual guides, I’ll be sharing real-life stories from our family trips. I hope these posts inspire your travels and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we make it all happen. Thanks for stopping by, and happy exploring!
This Thanksgiving, our family of four (with a teenage and tween boy) swapped turkey for croissants in Paris, France! In this family travelogue, I’m sharing the highlights, tips, and memorable moments from our 2024 adventure to help inspire your next big trip!
Why Travel to Paris?
We first visited Paris in 2023 (I haven’t written about that trip yet… maybe someday!). Being Disney enthusiasts, our initial visit was inspired by a desire to experience Disneyland Paris. But Paris itself left such a lasting impression on us—the city, the sights, and of course, Disneyland—that we found ourselves planning a return trip this year!
For this year’s itinerary, we explored both the city and Disneyland Paris again. Let’s dive into the details of our trip!
Getting to Paris: Direct Flight from Denver to CDG
We used miles to book our round-trip tickets (I’ll share tips for using miles in a separate post). For our outbound flight, we chose Air France, which operates a direct 9-hour flight from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris.
Our flight was delayed by two hours, but luckily, we were notified well in advance. Knowing about the delay ahead of time gave us plenty of time to adjust, making it much less stressful than finding out at the gate or on board. Unexpected delays at the airport can be frustrating, so I recommend having snacks and water on hand to avoid being hungry.
Experiencing the Amex Centurion Lounge at Denver Airport
We always make it a point to arrive early at the airport, especially for international flights. Having extra time allows us to relax, and we love spending it in airport lounges. These lounges offer a much-needed escape from the busy terminal, with quieter spaces, complimentary snacks and drinks, and clean facilities.
This time, since we were flying with Air France instead of our usual United, we had the chance to try the American Express Centurion Lounge for the first time. Access to the lounge is complimentary for Platinum or Centurion (invitation only) cardholders, but additional guests like our family come with a fee—$50 per adult and $30 per child. For us, the total came to $110. While this might seem expensive, the convenience and comfort made it worthwhile, especially before a long flight.
When we entered, the lounge was quite busy, but we were lucky to find seats for the whole family. The food options were varied and tasty, though more “airport nice” than gourmet. Despite that, the biggest perk was having a calm and clean space to recharge and prepare for the journey ahead.
If you’re flying internationally and have access to the Centurion Lounge, it’s definitely worth considering—especially if you value a quieter, more comfortable start to your trip!
Onboard Air France: A Mixed First Impression
Finally, it was time to board! It was our first time flying Air France, and I immediately noticed their fashionable uniforms of the crew! However, service was a little hit-or-miss; the call button seemed more like a suggestion than a priority, where the flight attendants didn’t come at all. Hopefully, it was just a one-time hiccup!
The in-flight meal, which we’d heard glowing reviews about, was… average. Perhaps I had set my expectations too high? That said, flying out of the U.S., I’ve learned not to expect too much in terms of food quality, even on international carriers.
Tips for Managing Kids’ Jet Lag: Denver to Paris
To help our bodies adjust to the 8-hour time difference between Denver and Paris, and to get a little closer to Paris time, we planned an early start on departure day—3:00 a.m.! Since waking the kids at such an early hour could be tricky, we turned it into something fun: a 3 a.m. game tournament. The plan worked perfectly! The kids were excited to get up, and by 9:00 p.m. the night before, we had all gotten six solid hours of sleep.
Once we boarded the flight, the plan was to eat dinner and go to sleep as soon as possible. To help with this, we paused mid-movie and took melatonin supplements as a family. Surprisingly, everyone managed to get a decent amount of rest, even in economy class. While it wasn’t luxurious sleep, it was enough to get us through the journey.
The next morning, we landed at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport on schedule at 10:15 a.m. The entry process was incredibly smooth. Thanks to the automated gates and a quick chat with an officer, we were through immigration in under 10 minutes.
Getting from the Airport to Paris City
There are four main ways to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Paris city :
On this trip, it was raining, and we were already feeling a bit tired after our flight. Initially, we planned to use Uber, but we ended up taking a taxi instead. At the airport, a friendly staff member directed us to the taxi stand, where we were quoted a flat rate of €65 to our hotel, including tips. The taxi also accepted credit cards, which made the decision even easier.
Why We Chose a Taxi
One of the reasons we opted for a taxi was the size of our luggage. Last year, we struggled with large suitcases on a bus, which was exhausting. This time, we packed smaller carry-on suitcases for everyone, but with four suitcases in total, we still needed a slightly larger car. Thankfully, the taxi driver arranged a vehicle that could accommodate all our bags comfortably.
When you compare the cost of the bus (€16.60 per person), taking a taxi or Uber is a great option for families or groups traveling together.
The Taxi Ride Experience
Our taxi driver was very friendly and spoke English, which made communication easy. However, he was the quintessential city driver—constantly checking his phone and getting distracted, which made the ride a bit nerve-wracking. Once we entered the city, cyclists and pedestrians were everywhere, and the distracted driving became even more concerning. When I expressed my worry, the driver confidently replied, “I do this all the time; it’s fine!” While his confidence was impressive, it didn’t exactly ease my nerves!
Our Recommendation for Airport Transfers
When it’s raining or you have a lot of luggage, a taxi or Uber is by far the most convenient choice. Both have flat rates from the airport to your destination, which makes budgeting and planning simple. However, if you prefer more peace of mind, Uber might be the better choice because you can check the driver’s reviews in advance.
On the other hand, buses and trains are more suitable for solo travelers or those with light luggage. During a previous trip, we used the bus and found it challenging because there was barely any luggage storage, and we couldn’t find seats. It wasn’t an ideal experience, especially with large bags.
Choosing the right transportation depends on your situation. For example, if you’re feeling tired or carrying heavy luggage, it’s worth spending a little extra on a taxi or Uber. After a long flight, comfort and convenience can make a big difference and help you start your trip on the right note.
Where We Stayed in PARIS : Hilton Paris Opera
Our base for the trip was the Hilton Paris Opera, conveniently located near the Opera Garnier and within walking distance of cafes, shops, and the Disneyland shuttle bus stop.
Smooth Check-In Process
We had booked two rooms for our stay, and fortunately, one was ready for an early check-in. This allowed us to consolidate our luggage into one room and head out right away. If you arrive in the morning, it’s tempting to settle into the hotel, but that can lead to jet lag taking over. Instead, I highly recommend getting out and exploring as soon as possible to adjust to the time difference!
Room Review: Compact but Comfortable
As expected for a city-center hotel in Paris, the rooms were quite small compared to U.S. standards. Despite the size, the space was clean and thoughtfully designed.
The lobby, however, was stunning—grand and full of Parisian charm! The staff were exceptionally friendly and professional, making our stay even more enjoyable. It felt like a pleasant surprise compared to our usual U.S. Hilton experiences!
Hilton Paris Opera: One of the Best Hotels in Paris France
Wondering where to stay in Paris? Hilton Paris Opera is a top 4-star hotel near city center sights—ideal for families, first-timers & luxury seekers.
Day 1 in Paris: First time Visit to the Opera Garnier
Our first stop in Paris was the stunning Opera Garnier. This visit was extra special because we had tried to go last year, only to discover that entry was reservation-only—and we hadn’t booked in advance. This time, we made sure to secure our tickets ahead of time.
The Opera Garnier uses a time-slot reservation system. While tickets are available on-site, they can sell out quickly during busy periods. It’s always best to book ahead. This applies to many attractions in Paris, so checking whether reservations are required is key to a smooth trip.
While our family usually loves spontaneous adventures, we learned from our first trip to Paris that a little planning goes a long way. (Lesson learned the hard way!)
Flight Delays and Adjusting the Schedule
Our original plan was to explore the Montmartre district in the morning before heading to the Opera Garnier in the afternoon. However, a flight delay and some unexpected travel time meant we arrived 30 minutes late for our 1:00 p.m. time slot. I was nervous we wouldn’t be allowed in, but thankfully, everything worked out, and we were admitted without any issues.
Flight delays are happening more often these days, so it’s smart to keep your schedule flexible. A little extra buffer time can save you a lot of stress!
The Opera Garnier: Elegance That Leaves You in Awe
Entering the Opera Garnier involves a quick security check and, if you choose, renting an audio guide. For our visit, we decided to skip the guide since our kids weren’t particularly interested in a deep dive into history. Instead, we opted to experience the grandeur intuitively—a “soak it in and enjoy” kind of approach.
The moment you step inside, the grand staircase—famous from so many movies—takes your breath away. The detailed architecture, rich history, and sheer scale of the space are awe-inspiring.
As we climbed the stairs, we noticed a few glamorous influencers posing in stunning dresses. Meanwhile, I was still wearing the comfy sweats I’d flown in. Big mistake! Lesson learned for next time: dress up a bit when visiting Parisian landmarks.
Everywhere you look, there’s something to admire—from ornate mirrors to meticulously crafted decorations. It’s amazing to think all of this was created in the 1800s without modern technology. Experiencing such timeless craftsmanship in person was truly a privilege.
Although I would have loved to explore every corner, the kids were starting to get hungry, so we wrapped up our visit sooner than I would’ve liked and headed to our next destination.
From the Opera Garnier to Louis Vuitton Café
Right outside the Opera Garnier, we hailed an Uber to take us to our next stop. The driver was exceptionally kind and even paused for a moment so we could snap some photos. He also gave us a few local tips, including recommendations for nearby cafes.
Despite the stereotype that Parisians can be aloof, our experience was quite the opposite. While not everyone speaks English, we encountered plenty of kind and helpful people. It made me wish I knew even a little French to connect more easily. Next time, I’ll make sure to learn a few basic phrases!
Stay tuned for the next part of our trip, where I’ll share more about our visit to the “Louis Vuitton Café” and other memorable moments from our first day in Paris!
Check out Paris Travelogue Part 2 here! “Paris Travelogue Part 2: Lous Vuitton Cafe´ & Christmas Lights.”
Paris Travelogue Part 2: Louis Vuitton Café & Christmas Lights
Part 2: We savor delights at Louis Vuitton Café, marvel at Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass, and stroll Avenue Montaigne aglow with enchanting Christmas lights!
