LOST IN PARIS | problems on my first international flight as a solo female

[@jenhalpin]

My trip to Paris: Just after arriving from Portland, I had to meet a friend at the train station. Halfway there from the airport I just froze, not knowing where to go. I smoked cigarettes back then so I chain smoked from fear while pacing around. Finally, the nicest person noticed my panic and walked me to my destination. Thank goodness for kind people :)

[@vanhallaadventures]

If I smoked, that would have 100% been me 😆 at one point (I was too stressed to film) I had several airline workers around me all saying they had no idea where my terminal was…They were really nice but I was completely bamboozled.

[@douglasfrazier8526]

I've been over to Europe 5 times and I've found out that it's best to study the airport terminals that I'm stopping at for connecting flights. Sometimes the airports even have KZbin videos you can checkout to show you where to go.

[@mundorueda9402]

I give you a lot of credit. You are a courageous young lady and I wish you the best. God Bless You on your journey. Take care.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you 🤗

[@stevodin2977]

I had this Journey right behind me. it was a pleasure to walk the Camino. Good luck. just relax and enjoy the travel ;) no stress no Panic. all good.... PS: at the Airport, always ask. keep on asking. no shame to ask people and they will help you, I'm pretty sure.

[@dawnbilliot]

The connecting is my biggest fear. You flew to Paris and then flew to St Jean Pied de Port? I’ve not been able to connect the dots in my planning as I will be flying into Paris as well. Your videos are helping me so much Crystal! Thank you so much for sharing your journey!

[@mimminu6650]

Be proud of yourself having survived a transfer at Charles de Gaulle! I’m a very frequent flyer (pre pandemin), but do avoid that airport at any cost. Those times that I had tp transfer or even ”just” departed/arrived with no transfer required; i’ve been lost, staff have pointed me to different parts of the airport, missed several flights, lost my bagage and so on. So for real, surviving that airport is for the strong and brave! 😊

[@emmafriesen9073]

Oh I totally agree, CDG is awful for transfers!! Unfortunately I'll be there in October, enroute to Australia. 🙄

[@claren4643]

This is just a practical question, as I am looking forward to doing the walk myself. I'm just starting to watch your videos, but I wonder how you manage the extra bag....the one beyond your backpack? This may be revealed in later videos. 😊

[@Reiki-44-1]

You are so brave. I'm so proud of you.❤

[@kristinesmart582]

Found Paris incredibly easy to navigate. Sorry you had trouble. I did just a carry on- makes all the difference in the world!

[@vanhallaadventures]

Yeah that would have been much easier. if it would’ve made sense for my journey I would’ve.

[@angieludlam6419]

I'm 60 years old and have traveled by myself several times since my late teens ... I relate to many of your anxieties and jiters in traveling! You pushed through though and that is what helps us grow in self confidence. Bravo for you! Bless you!

[@antoniobaez6282]

Good job Crystal! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💯

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you!

[@johnmys5am]

First international trip. Welcome! Get ready to shift your world views!!!

[@stephannirichards8163]

You did it! I travelled Europe on my own in my early 20’s and it was not easy at times but so so worth it. My best memories of my life are from those travels and challenges. Can’t wait to follow you on your adventure xx

[@bernadettesandoval3990]

Me too! And that was way before google maps and mobile data!!

[@NewMxGrl]

I soooo applaud your bravery 👏 👏 👏 I know I’m a bit behind in your adventures but I’m living vicariously through strong spirited lady!! Thank you for sharing 🤗 You’ve totally GOT THIS 🎉🎉🎉

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you so much!!

[@patrickperron792]

If this can help: PIED is foot in english and the whole name St-Jean-Pied-de-Port litterally means: St-John, base (of the) port, foot being used here as 'base'. St-Jean-Pied-de-Port was a starting point for the Camino 500 years ago and all merchants would gather there to provide necessities to pelgrims. Just happenned to stumble on your video and started listenning to it since the Camino is on my bucket list.... We were in San Sebastian this past August as part of our cross the Pyrennees motorcycle trip and saw so many walkers in town walking by us on the riviera...Can't wait now to see your next videos.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Wow this was such a gift to hear the meaning. Thank you 🤗

[@randirickles3938]

I am soooo freaking proud of you for doing this trip! And, I absolutely can NOT wait for the next vlog! My husband and I send our prayers & good vibes to you! ✨

[@raewebb6365]

Wow. Congratulations YOU DID IT. Can’t wait to follow along on this adventure with you. And boy what an insight to allow so much time between planes…that’s a lesson many of us can use!!

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you 🤗 looking through the comments - it seems at this airport the extra time is definitely necessary,

[@patrickperron792]

ANother question for you Crystal: I did notice when you showed us a room you where arriving in that there was already a large piece of luggage in there (the room was yours only). Did you have an external transport for your luggage beside the back pack you where carrying ?

[@vanhallaadventures]

Yes I use a luggage service (as do many pilgrims).

[@patrickperron792]

@@vanhallaadventures Wow, I didn't know that existed. My wife will love that if we ever do the pilgrimage ! Do you mention about it in your posts ? If not, would you publish a little something about it, like when and where and tha cost of it? Thanks !

[@deboraz455]

So proud of you - Buen Camino

[@altego33]

my first flight to paris and my first stay in paris, i was amazed how much the language difference wasnt a problem. took me a moment to figure out the tube system (aka buying the tickets and to hold on to them until you get out of the tube) but after that, really easy. heathrow, in london, now that was harder to navigate in the airport

[@vanhallaadventures]

That's good to know! I am going to Heatherow by myself in a couple months so I will make sure and have extra time. Thank you :)

[@jornspirit]

...oh my gosh, Crystal, got hooked earlier today stumbling over your 2 meseta clips, and have now be going back to see your whole trip from the beginning!!! You're awesome, so transparent of whats going on within you and around you... loving it!! PS. done the camino twice from Germany, taking an over-night bus from the Swiss border to the Spanish one... I'm so excited to follow you now through it all... will be probably a looong evening... I might not be able to stop before you're through to Santiago (or maybe even Finisterre?!) xx

[@sharonwilson2450]

You are much more brave than I would ever be!! Yayy, good for you Crystal!! Can't wait to see more of your adventure!!

[@sas96797]

Watching this gave me flashbacks of the time I flew into Paris. I had a connecting flight to Madrid and I didn’t know where to go!! I didn’t check a bag, but I had a short layover and the line was long going through customs. I was running through the airport to get to my gate once I figured out where it was 😂 I’m going back again next year but I think I’ll change planes in NY or something instead 😂 what an adventure ur having already! Looking forward to following you on your journey!

[@vanhallaadventures]

After reading your comment and a few others it is somewhat calming to know that it wasn't just me getting lost LOL. I am def going to avoid it at all costs next time too!

[@David-wn7yv]

Crystal I am so happy for you! I know I never had the courage to do anything like this. Safe travels!

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you David!

[@NewSkiwi]

Well done! In our dreams we could so easily forget the reality of logistics and language barriers. However. I am sure that you have inspired even the most "nervous Nellie's" out there. Thank you!!!

[@rosalegria00]

So lovely... brings back my own solo adventures... good for you! and thank you for sharing your journey with us...

[@vanhallaadventures]

Aw I love hearing that ❤️ thank you!

[@anac7096]

How did you get to Saint Jean Pied de Port from Paris? Did you get another flight? Where to? And then, you rented a car? Thanks. 😊

[@vanhallaadventures]

It was the last flight I took in the video - from Paris to SJPDP 🤓 the woman who owns the hostel I stayed at picked me up and took me to where I was staying.

[@christinewoodruff5092]

So proud of you too!! I can honestly say I would never have the guts to do that. My hats off to you! I can't wait to see more of your travels and may your bravery take you on a grand adventure!

[@franciscamunguia1259]

We have the same experience. I flew in AA and my flight to Biarritz was with Air France. No one gave me the right info, and I almost lost my flight until I was making line at 2F and it was in 2G and 2G was outside the airport taking a bus to catch the terminal. Its very stressful.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Apparently that airport needs a bit of an upgrade with the layout - I thought it was just me and my lack of navigating skills. I am happy to hear you made your flight though :)

[@DartmoorPaul]

Great to be on the journey with you, Crystal and I can certainly relate to your panic and fear. As someone who doesn’t speak any European language once I leave the UK into Europe my anxiety increases! But the more I’ve done it the more I feel comfortable with it and usually there is a lot of English speaking people to help you along the way (although it does make me feel bad that I can’t totally speak one other language). It’s probably why my next big trip will be the US again 😊

[@florinam3823]

You are amazing! So proud!!!! This is the beginning of becoming the new Crystal!💗😌💪🏻 huuuugs!

[@ronashman8463]

Loving your clips Crystal. Can we have the name of that hostel in St Jean P de P please?

[@sachabunniksglobaladventures]

👍 well done. Have a wonderful time in europe, look forward to seeing your adventures

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thanks! 😃

[@laurap.5804]

Hi, well done!!! I like travel solo so I understand all the pressure you went through. Will you stop one day or will you start the next day? I am thinking because of the jet lag!!!

[@upcycledcopycat8389]

Woohoo.... Just a curious question though. What the heck are you going to do with that huge suitcase for two months while trekking. Surely your not taking it along the hike?

[@vanhallaadventures]

At the time I wasn’t sure when I’d be back from Europe so it is clothes for the Fall that aren’t hiking gear. I also have a backpack just for camera gear. Once in France you can ship items ahead via a transport service to Santiago (final stop on Camino) to pick-up once you get there. I’ll only carry a backpack during the day.

[@msunshine4412]

Kudos to you for traipsing El Camino on your own! I have walked portions of two other Ways, but I'm considering doing El Camino Frances next year. Which airport did you connect through, and what city was your destination before arriving at St. Jean Pied du Pont?

[@vanhallaadventures]

I went from Seattle to Paris to Biarrtiz. From there my hostel host picked me up and we drove about 1 hour to Saint Jean. I would personally not transfer through Paris again if I could get a different connection. That airport (based on others comments) is apparently not easy to navigate. Or at least just get a long layover just in case :)

[@mariacarjim5604]

I’m planning my trip to the Camino for next year and this will be my first international flight outside North America and it scares me.

[@ronashman8463]

Hi Maria. As one who traveled from New Zealand (a looong way) may I suggest that you select flights that give you stopovers of a minimum of 5 or 6 hours. The stress of having to catch another flight in a huge airport where English is not the main language is not worth it, as our brave lady here found out. Even overnight in a backpacker if you have to.

[@jameswilliamsoniii2259]

I am so proud of you!

[@vanhallaadventures]

Thank you! But I’m still not going back to that airport lol

[@bitsy56]

You are living and walking my dream !

[@vanhallaadventures]

Do it! If you can get there, you can walk it. Start planning the how and you totally got this. I believe in you 🥰

[@Kathysart]

That’s what I’m afraid of, getting lost!

[@RevGerryRM]

You should have the app that translates!

[@vanhallaadventures]

I have google translate! Any better ones you know of? Sometimes without signal it can be SLOW even if you already downloaded the language.

[@pamelarw58]

Crystal what a brave woman u are considering Mexico? Why doesn’t the Airport have English speaking staff to assist tourists? Anxiety makes it more exaggerated? 🥺 Well done u made it & relax! 😍

[@vanhallaadventures]

Hi Pamela ☺️ thank you! They do however none of them knew where the gate was. At one point I had several airline workers around me all trying to figure out where my terminal was…in the end I just had to walk until I found a bus and hop on. It was bananas!

[@pamelarw58]

@@vanhallaadventures I hope all is well now? 🤗🇦🇺

[@patrickperron792]

Why won't any US airport have FRENCH SPEAKING to assist us, native fraench speaking people ???? You got your answer right here !!!!

[@davidmartin3947]

The French guy who found you the baggage cart no doubt said that you looked: ' manqué ' which means 'lost', even though it sounds like monkey in English! :-0

[@vanhallaadventures]

😆

[@sn8323]

You do realise there are lots of easy peasy apps that will instantly translate for you so you can have a seamless convo in another language...?

[@vanhallaadventures]

Yes I do. Why do you ask?

[@breadakeane7759]

You do realise we have shops in Europe?

[@vanhallaadventures]

Yes. Why do you ask?

[@breadakeane7759]

@@vanhallaadventures you needlessly carry so much with you, I always consider the bonus to a local community when I spend at my destination.

[@spannymakronkeep8673]

@@vanhallaadventures that's a TON of luggage which you realized almost immediately. What's the saying? We pack our fears.

[@anthonyrebock5351]

Vou parle' francais...visiting the cousins in La France....it probaböy takes five days to figure out the airport....aweee Just kidding... They can point you in dee right way👈👉way👉👈,👉👉wait👈👉that way this way

[@vanhallaadventures]

Haha EXACTLY

[@antoniobaez6282]

First!

[@vanhallaadventures]

Woo hoo!

[@themartinmovement]

I certainly do not travel to other countries without learning some of their language. It’s not only a respect thing, it’s also a safety thing. Language is as much apart of a culture in a country as food is. Wishing you well of the remainder of your journey. This is a huge goal, you can certainly achieve it. I’m at 70 miles so far in my first week journey of doing 20K steps a day for my mental health. Stretch Stretch Stretch!!!! Your legs will be tight and stiff way harder and longer if you do not. Of course drink tons of water and bring many bananas.

[@vanhallaadventures]

Yes I totally agree. I can speak enough Spanish to get through the day. I do not speak French however I was only connecting a flight in Paris and had just a few days in France. Spain is the majority of the walk. Thanks for watching!

[@kaikito7662]

Lost in Paris? Isn't that a film starring Marlon Brando and a Mars bar?

[@vanhallaadventures]

Nope. You must be thinking of the movie “The Last Tango in Paris” starring Marlon Brando released in 1973.