For my first trip to Europe, I have to say Paris was perfect! We began our trip at John F. Kennedy International in New York with JetBlue ​Airways. Our check-in process was smooth, and we were very fortunate to obtain Mint Class for our trip. From the time we entered the ​aircraft, we were treated with such class and kindness. Entering the plane, we made our way to our Mint Suite. The suite was beautiful with ​comfort noted at every level, from the seat to the pillows and blankets and decor - everything is made very elegantly. We were greeted with a ​welcome drink that encompassed the “Mint” brand. As we waited to depart, we had the opportunity to settle in and choose our menu for food ​and drinks for the flight, as well as store our luggage and prepare for the trip. Before long, we were on our way to France!

During the flight, we were treated to our meals, which are truly the best! Sourced from local restaurants in New York, the meals are very well ​thought out and are simply delicious. To top it off, the ice cream on board is second to none. Airplane ice cream is legit the best ice cream! You ​are given the option of additional service, or by simply flipping a light on can go to slumber. The suite turns into a bed, with a closing door for ​adequate rest. After a much-needed sleep, I woke up to my inflight crew member asking if I would like my morning coffee. It was such an ​awesome experience to have my morning cup of Joe as we were flying over Ireland. After sipping on the coffee, and having breakfast, it was ​time to land at CDG airport.

Deplaning and going through customs was a very simple process and before long we were in France. We proceeded to figure out the public ​transit system. Initially, figuring out this system was a bit tedious and my recommendation is that you research transit in the city you are going ​and what is required. In Paris, they have many options for tickets. But, we chose the weekly visitor pass which is $30.00 and has unlimited ​transit rides on the trains and buses. Really this is the way to go if you plan to visit Paris because the trains are phenomenal and very easy to ​navigate. My suggestion is to download the Bonjour RATP app and create an account. You can then buy your onboard card and send a digital ​card to your Apple or phone wallet and use it to tap to pay at each station. You also have the option to go to the ticket counter and have a card ​made, however, they require a small photo for the card which is an additional $5 - $10.00 USD and truthfully with everything being digital ​now, I consider it a waste of money when you can use your phone and it's free.

The transit system is very easy to navigate as previously stated. The big thing is paying attention to the direction of the train toward the right ​station name. I found myself a few times looking a bit further into the station name because they used only the end of the name instead of the ​entire name. Of course, it is in French so you have to pay attention. However, very easy to navigate. Also, “Sortie” means exit! I learned that ​very quickly when navigating. When connecting, you also have to ensure you are using the right exits by following the signs to go to the ​correct trains because the tunnels take you to different trains unlike the American systems.

Our hotel was phenomenal! It was a boutique called Hotel Allen Eiffel, 196 Rue De Vaugirard, Paris. The hotel was incredible, very cute and ​really inexpensive. It was located in an area that was away from the tourist traps, in a more authentic French neighborhood but very close to ​the train and all the attractions. So it made for a great combination of authenticity and tourism. Additionally, the rooms were extra cute and ​had the French windows opening for the breeze of the city. The hotel was actually what I had always dreamed of, making my dreams come ​true.

The attractions were awesome, from the Eiffel Tower to Baby Liberty (The French version of the Statue of Liberty) everything was really neat. ​We saw the eternal flame which was a gift from the US to France that was made in New York representing the flame on the Statue of Liberty. ​In the 1990s, it was located overtop the overpass where Princess Diana was killed in the car accident. The Eternal Flame that was at one time ​not really noticed, reinvented itself and became a centerpiece to remember Princess Diana. We saw many other historic sights, and waited in ​the extremely long line at the Louvre Museum for the Mona Lisa. We were really quite surprised how many folks wanted to see Lisa and then ​bounced, didn’t even stay to see the rest of the museum. We found the museum to be extremely beautiful and full of learning and famous ​paintings from Europe and around the world.

Other areas of Paris were absolutely beautiful from the coffee shops and wine in the evening to the restaurants and dining inside and out. ​Simply beautiful. We were also able to see many sights from the Netflix series “Emily in Paris,” seeing one of the restaurants and the building ​that Emily worked. We also went to the Latin district, among other areas which were very vibrant and exciting. On our second to last day, we ​met a very nice French lady who was very interested in our trip and also wanted to talk about New York recognizing we were from the US. It ​was very awesome to meet her, as she left, she sent two glasses of sparkling wine to our table as a gift and toast to new friendship. Our last days ​were spent with one of my husband's friends, staying at his beautiful apartment and spending time in different areas of Paris! It was such a neat ​experience, and he introduced us to the “stinky cheese,” which is the BEST cheese and of course the baguette.

I wish I could put more in this review, but there are just too many thoughts! Paris on my rating scale is a 9/10 and I look forward to visiting ​more in the future!