Paris has become an inescapable part of American culture. We see it in movies, on the news, in magazines and fashion reports, on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. It’s where couples escape for a romantic getaway or the wedding of their dreams; where we celebrate a milestone or reward ourselves after years of putting everyone else first.

Regardless of your reason for going, by the time you book your flight, you’ll probably already have a pretty good idea of what you want the trip to be, but may still have a few questions: Will I feel underdressed? Is my French good enough? Will I look like a tourist? Is it safe?

The truth is, Paris is more welcoming than most people imagine. It’s beautiful and nearly every street tells a story, but it’s also home to more than two million people who go to work, walk their dogs, shop for dinner, complain about the weather, and where ordinary life happens every day.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you get there is that Paris forces you to slow down. We Americans want waiting to be banned – and we want it now. But the French are rarely in a hurry. After all, one of their most famous plays is Waiting for Godot, where two men wait for someone to show up – and nothing happens.

But waiting in France can even become social. During a recent trip, I was lucky enough to book a timed ticket to the Matisse exhibition at the Grand Palais. I arrived a few minutes early, only to spend another thirty minutes waiting in a long line. Progress to the entrance was slow, so I struck up a conversation with a lovely couple from Nice standing behind me. We talked about our plans for Paris, and before long, the wait and friendly interaction became a highlight of the day.

A trip to Paris is never complete without a little shopping, and there’s certainly no shortage of temptation. From the Grands Magasins to tiny Marais boutiques, shopping in Paris is always an adventure. Besides Galeries Lafayette, with its stunning stained-glass dome, I love visiting the dépôt-vente in Galerie Vivienne, filled with designer bargains. After that it’s a short stroll to the graceful arcades of Palais-Royal. Built in the 17th century, it’s now home to an eclectic mix of luxury fashion, antique bookshops, perfumeries, and independent cafés – the perfect spot to sip a café allongé.

From there, you can hop on a bus or walk to the Left Bank for a stop at CityPharma on rue du Four in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.  It’s not your average pharmacy, but a bustling hive of activity with a long line of shoppers waiting to step inside. The aisles are packed with every skincare and personal care brand imaginable at the best prices in town. I always stock up on my favorite Vitamin C serum, happy about how much I’m saving compared to U.S. prices. And don’t forget, if you spend more than €100, be sure to ask for détaxe documents at checkout to claim your VAT refund.

Of course, a big consideration in planning a trip is the cost. Airfare, accommodations, meals and museum tickets can add up quickly, so before you go it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the Euro-to-U.S. dollar exchange rate and plan accordingly. A hotel may be the best option if you’re staying for a week or two. The rules for short term Airbnb and VRBO rentals less than 30 days have become quite strict and may limit your choices. That said, a memorable Paris experience doesn’t have to be extravagant. With thoughtful planning and insider advice, you can decide where to spend, how to save, and enjoy what matters most.

Perhaps the biggest step in booking the trip is giving yourself permission to go. In the meantime, the laundry gets folded. Emails get answered. Birthdays are celebrated. Holidays are planned, and Paris becomes a date on some future calendar.  But the date matters less than the decision.

Women I know who’ve been to Paris all say the same thing: “I’m so glad I went . . . and I can’t wait to go back.”  And I can’t think of a better reason to say yes.