A British mum has revealed how she took her son on a birthday trip to Paris and says it was cheaper than a ‘bog standard’ party in the UK.
Monica Stott, 37, is known for her savvy day trips to luxurious locations abroad.
And they usually cost less than a night out in the UK.
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The mum-of-three, from Wrexham, often jets off without her kids in tow – but for her most recent trip to Paris, she brought along her 11-year-old son.
The jam-packed trip, which only spanned across 24 hours, came to an extremely reasonable £300 for the both of them [see cost breakdown below].
And worked as the perfect alternative to a costly party for his birthday.
“I know young children don’t remember everything, so it seemed a bit pointless to spend hundreds on a party no one will remember,” the content creator told What’s The Jam.
“It depends on how many children are invited, but a class party to the cinema, bowling or soft play usually costs around £250 – or more.
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“And it wasn’t about the money really.
“It was about spending one-to-one time with one child at a time.”
The pair were able to see some of the city’s most iconic sights, celebrate in style and were tucked up in their own beds before midnight.
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And her other kids didn’t mind in the slightest.
She said: “If anything, it made them very excited for their birthday trips.
“They barely noticed we were gone.
“Between after school activities and busy evenings, they weren’t bothered.
“It actually all started after my middle son said he wanted to go to Barcelona for the day.
“With a travel blogger for a mum, he knew I wouldn’t say no.
“So when it was my eldest’s turn, he chose Paris.
“It might sound exhausting, but it turned out to be one of the most exciting and memorable travel days we’ve ever had.”
Their trip started the night before in March 2026.
To avoid waking up at 4am to catch the Eurostar or an early flight, they settled on jetting out and staying in a cheap hotel, costing £100.
The next morning, they ate free breakfast at the hotel and started the day at the iconic Sacre-Coeur.
Next up was pastries and hot chocolates at Place du Tertre, costing £8.
Other activities included the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, the Eiffel Tower and a cruise along the River Seine.
More baked goods and hot chocolates were had throughout the day, with their final meal at the airport before flying home at 10pm.
By 11pm, they were home and in bed.
Monica said: “Our goal wasn’t to see everything in Paris as it deserves far longer than 24 hours.
“But we got a mix of iconic sights, easy walking routes and a little spontaneity.
“It sounds crazy waking up in Paris, spending the day exploring and being back in your own bed the same night.
“But that’s exactly what makes it so fun.
“For a birthday trip, it was pretty unforgettable.
“Especially as his friends were all excited to hear about his trip and get some French treats to bring to school.”
Monica’s tips to make the most out of an extreme day trip is to arrive the night before, pack light, pre-book tickets and use public transport.
She’s previously visited Reykjavik, Amsterdam and Alicante for less than £100.
She added: “Travel doesn’t have to be a luxury only for the rich.
“If you plan well, a quick day trip abroad can be an affordable treat anyone can enjoy.”
COST BREAKDOWN:
- Flights – £70 return
- Hotel – £104 (with breakfast)
- Sacre Coeur – Free
- Pastries and hot chocolates – £8
- Louvre – Free
- Arc de Triomphe – Free
- Tuileries Garden – Free
- Coffee and crepes – £15
- Lunch – £8
- Eiffel Tower Top Deck viewing tickets – £32
- River Seine cruise – £15
- Public transport – £27
- Dinner – £20
TOTAL: £299
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