Anonymous wrote:All international travel is terrible now that so many can afford it.

Most tourists have zero manners. Especially American tourists in other countries.

+1

We are an International Family. When we are in our countries of citizenship, it is sickening to see how poorly USian tourists act. Their behaviour tends to be loud and arrogant.

Whenever a USian tourist asks us for directions to the nearest McDonalds, we kindly suggest they try out some local fare. They can have a Happy Meal when they return to the States!

You have to go to the parts of the city that are not Instagram-recognizable and less likely to be mobbed by tourists there for 2 days. And actually, common tourist stops like the Louvre or Versaille are no different than they were years ago — they are designed to accommodate tourists and don’t feel overwhelmed in the same way as the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame or some of the famous bridge vistas.

When I go, I spend time in the smaller museums, love to go to my favorite shops in quieter areas, stay in a friend’s apartment away from the crowds. Paris is still Paris but if you go and just sightsee at the major tourist sights, yes, you will be mobbed by tourist from all over the world. This is also true in NYC, the Grand Canyon, the pyramids in Egypt, and lots of other global destinations. Air travel is more accessible than its ever been, there is a huge rising middle and upper middle class in Asia that suddenly has access. There are upsides and downsides.

I've been to Paris many times since 2009. I love it. Avoid the primary "tourist spots" during peak times, just like in any other city and you will be fine. I certainly found quiet streets to stroll (even along the seine!!!) in the evening, I found a quiet spot in Notre-Dame to pray with my (then fiance) the day we got engaged. We had no issue finding a little cafe to toast our engagement (and we split a sandwich because we were broke and 22). I had no problem finding a quiet, grassy spot to sit with a cold drink, my husband, and our then 12 month old to have a quiet break and just enjoy being near the eiffel tower. I had no issue finding a beautiful, quiet, rooftop bar with a view of the eiffel tower where I was able to get a drink with my husband then walk around Montmartre to find an adorable, little restaurant where we enjoyed a 2-3 hour delicious meal. I often prefer smaller towns in France just because I am not a huge city person, but I don't find Paris to be "ruined". Prepare yourself to be harassed by the people jingling tiny eiffel towers directly under it or when going up sacre-coeur, keep a firm grasp on your purse/wallet and do not engage with people trying to get you to sign something but that could be anywhere.

I'm thankful costs are relatively affordable so that I CAN take my children around the world. The need to be exposed to the global world now more than ever. I don't want them to have a closed, small world-view and travel certainly helps.

Since you remember 1990 so well...I am guessing perhaps you are nearing retirement or are already retired.....do slow travel. Rent an apartment in a small city/town and live there for a 1 month, 2 months...whatever. You will see that these places aren't "ruined". Most of us simply do not have the opportunity for such slow travel.