... what things should we avoid ?
Get a museum pass (they come in different lengths). They allow you to skip the very very very long lines and get into tons of sites and museums across Paris.
The Paris Museum Pass is more easily justified on the high ticket price to Versailles if several other museums will also be seen. The longer passes are easier to justify. It is always important to do the math on any pass like this. Fountain operation is very seasonal. In high tourist season, I believe it runs a couple of times per week but not necessarily every fountain runs. Less touristy times get less fountain operation. Even when things run, they don't run long.Versailles only runs their beautiful fountains on Sundays, I think. The grounds of Versailles (which are huge) are the real attraction more than the palace.
A DO NOT MISS site not yet mentioned (I think) is the stained glass cathedral of Sainte Chappelle -breathtaking and unforgettable.
I carry a decoy wallet in my back pocket that has some wipes, some tissue and some used gift cards to look like credit cards. I'll sometimes carry up to 10 euro to give me an excuse to pull it out to buy small items. I've had several attempts made on it but it is still intact. I figure if they see what they expect to see they will assume it has my money and credit cards in it.Beware of thieves and pickpockets in both places. Europe in general has nothing like our inner city threat of violent crime problems, but instead are plagued by sneaky small handed thieves (cute children who distract you as they rob you), and those who will not hesitate to take anything you put down unattended for even a second.
Again, the European pickpocketers are truly legendary and have honed their craft to a fine art.
So I guess you had better make sure passports are well put away right after passport control and before exiting baggage claim.The OP is going to be with a tour so most of the suggestions won't be actionable. The nice thing about a tour is they will see the basics and learn how to get around. It will set the stage for going back when they can really enjoy their visit.
Paris can be one of the most cost effective Museum Passes in Europe. Plan out what you want to see. Be careful not to get the one that includes metro passes. The carnet available are more cost effective and easier to use. The reopened Picasso Museum has dropped participation in this pass so don't be afraid to see other museums not covered.
The Paris Museum Pass is more easily justified on the high ticket price to Versailles if several other museums will also be seen. The longer passes are easier to justify. It is always important to do the math on any pass like this. Fountain operation is very seasonal. In high tourist season, I believe it runs a couple of times per week but not necessarily every fountain runs. Less touristy times get less fountain operation. Even when things run, they don't run long.
Sainte Chappelle is also covered by the pass. It's inside a high security zone around their version of SCOTUS. It's like going through airport security so leave your pocket knife at the hotel.
I carry a decoy wallet in my back pocket that has some wipes, some tissue and some used gift cards to look like credit cards. I'll sometimes carry up to 10 euro to give me an excuse to pull it out to buy small items. I've had several attempts made on it but it is still intact. I figure if they see what they expect to see they will assume it has my money and credit cards in it.
I used to work for a European based company. I was astounded at how many of my peers from the US would be robbed at the airport. Some of the stories were funny beyond belief. Usually, they weren't aware how or when their pockets were picked. We were all given very specific instructions on how to avoid pickpockets. I had an upper executive with the company ask me after I had made several trips without issue why my coworkers from the US didn't follow instructions. He was clearly upset because of all the work that was involved in getting their passports replaced and getting new credit cards for them. I said it would be inappropriate for me to call them idiots.
I am humbled by what sounds like you asking me for advice on traveling.So I guess you had better make sure passports are well put away right after passport control and before exiting baggage claim.
Any more tips for us retired travelers? The specific instructions would be nice.
Is does help when you are traveling in pairs.
I like the decoy wallet idea.
I do/will carry a purse, I travel with my iPad mini and like to have it with me most of the time. I don't carry any money or cards or IDs in it. In the past I've carried a bulkier shoulder purse tucked under my arm that can also hold a jacket, scarf, umbrella, etc. it has one zipper on top that tucks under the arm and no outside pockets. I don't put it down.I am humbled by what sounds like you asking me for advice on traveling.
When getting on the plane, I always were a shirt with either one or two pockets. These are usually with a button or zipper. I stick both of our passports in here after passport control because they want them at the hotel. B&Bs don't care.
By the time we get on the plane, both of us have put our back up US cash (~$100 each), debit cards, credit cards, trip itinerary, passport copies and emergency contact information in our undergarment wallet. I'll carry the small amount of euro bills in my shirt pocket and euro change in my backpack (left over from past trip). If I plan on getting cash when landing, I'll also carry my debit card in the shirt pocket.
When traveling, I don't put any bills in my pants pockets. I've gotten my DW to wear pants with pockets so I no longer have to carry her lipstick. I've gotten her to not bring a purse. When she gets some local currency cash, she'll usually also carry it in a shirt pocket but not always. She never has that much on her. It's just spending cash for minor things. I'll make sure she has cash in her undergarment wallet for a taxi if she gets lost or separated. I'll pay for bigger items like meals. Fortunately, we no longer have to buy things for everyone when we go on a trip.
Passports definitely need to be protected. They are a mess to replace on a trip. At best you'll spend half of a vacation day sitting at the US Embassy. If there isn't an embassy where you are going to be, plan on a detour to one before you try to leave.
I do/will carry a purse, I travel with my iPad mini and like to have it with me most of the time. I don't carry any money or cards or IDs in it. In the past I've carried a bulkier shoulder purse tucked under my arm that can also hold a jacket, scarf, umbrella, etc. it has one zipper on top that tucks under the arm and no outside pockets. I don't put it down.
We carry our IDs and most of our cards and cash in undergarment wallets. Anything in our outside pockets - just stuff needed for the day - is attached with lanyards.
I've heard of backpacks being stolen along with purses. I think the thieves target the classic American woman's purse because of the habit of women to carry their entire lives in it. The male equivalent is the wallet in the back pocket. The pickpockets know where the most likely profitable grab is going to be.I think what I'm trying to describe here is a called a tote bag, except that it zips closed. Apparently carrying a nice version of that kind of bag is common among Parisiian women. I don't think my old "Amsterdam" bag is going to cut it.
I will be wearing scarves too. I usually do in Europe.