How I Plan My Weekend Solo Trips as an Au Pair in France

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How I Choose My Destination

Because of my au pair schedule, I always have Sundays completely free, but most Saturday mornings I’m working. So the first thing I do is look at my weekend schedule and figure out what kind of trip I can realistically do.

Once I know that, I’ll open Google Maps and browse nearby cities. I pick the destination that feels the most exciting for that weekend — whether that’s a small charming town or a bigger city I’ve been wanting to explore.

Then I decide:

• Is this just a Sunday day trip?

• Or do I want to go Saturday evening, stay overnight, and explore on Sunday?

Honestly, that choice depends on my mood and how much I want to spend that weekend.

Budgeting (Without Stressing Over It)

Because my trips are short, I don’t overthink budgeting — but I do make practical choices that help keep costs down:

• I compare train times to find the best prices.

• I eat at affordable cafés or grab-and-go spots instead of sitting-down restaurants.

• When it comes to shopping, I’m very selective.

• I mainly use the money I earn throughout the week as an au pair, so I’m not dipping into the savings I brought from home.

If you're also abroad, try keeping a small “weekend adventure” wallet. It helps you mentally separate everyday spending from travel spending.

How I Book My Trains

Traveling around France has been super easy — I’ve only taken trains so far since nothing has been far enough to require a flight.

Here’s my process:

1. Check Ouigo First

I always check Ouigo before anything else because if they have a train to my destination, it’s almost always the cheapest option.

2. If Not, I Check Omio

If Ouigo doesn’t have anything available, I head to Omio to compare schedules and prices.

I usually book through the Ouigo or Omio apps, but I’ll link the websites below so you can check train times quickly

Link to: Ouigo

Link to: Omio

3. Choose Based on Time, Duration & Cost

If it’s a day trip, I’ll take the cheapest morning train that still gets me there early enough to explore.
I’d rather have too much time than feel rushed, so I’m flexible with leaving slightly earlier or later if it saves money.

What I Pack for a Day (or Overnight) Trip

Whether I’m gone for one day or staying overnight, I keep things minimal but intentional.

My Essentials:

• My trusty black backpack — lightweight, comfortable, and fits exactly what I need.
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• Toiletries if I’m spending the night — toothbrush, travel-size skincare, deodorant, etc.
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• European adapter + chargers — truly the MVP.
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• Reusable stainless steel water bottle — because I walk a lot and staying hydrated is non-negotiable.
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• Crossbody bag for quick access to my phone and wallet.
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• AirPods — because listening to music on the train while looking out the window is just a whole vibe.
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• My Kindle — I love reading on the train or winding down in my hotel if I stay the night.
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Solo Travel Safety (What I Actually Do)

I don’t do anything extreme or paranoid — just simple, common-sense habits.

The cities I’ve visited so far have felt very safe, and I’ve never had a moment where I felt uncomfortable. My routine is basically:

• Stay aware of my surroundings

• Keep my belongings on me (especially in crowded areas)

• Pay attention when walking in unfamiliar spots

• And when something feels “off,” I just walk away or change directions

Confidence grows with experience. The more solo trips you take, the more natural these habits feel.

Final Thoughts

Planning weekend trips while au pairing has become one of my favorite parts of living in France. It doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful — just intentional, flexible, and fun. And honestly, those spontaneous little adventures end up being the memories I love the most.