Together, we will plan a realistic, stress-free trip to France so you can actually enjoy your vacation.
YOUR VACATION SHOULD BE FUN
Let’s remove the overwhelm
Figuring out which sights deserve your time and whether your train routes are actually doable can quickly turn a dream vacation into a stressful chore.
That is exactly why I created Chat with a Local — to eliminate the guesswork from your French getaway.
It is my job to travel around France, which means you get firsthand, up-to-date information.
I’ll review your plans and answer specific questions so you can save valuable time, avoid tourist traps, and travel with confidence.
HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
What’s Included
30-Minute Chat
$17
Best for: travelers with a mostly planned trip who want expert feedback and answers to a few key questions.
Use this call for:
- A quick itinerary review
- Help with 1–2 destinations or a short trip
- Clarifying a few specific logistics before booking
Ideal if you:
- Already have a rough plan
- Need a second opinion
- Have a shorter or simpler trip
60-Minute Chat
$27
Best for: travelers who want more in-depth planning or need help organizing a more complex/longer trip.
Use this call for:
- Planning longer trips or first-time visits to France
- Getting help prioritizing what to see and skip
- Questions across destinations, transport, and timing
Ideal if you:
- Need help putting an itinerary together
- Feel overwhelmed and want more detailed guidance
- Want to discuss several cities or regions
Included:
- A private video call via Google Meet. This is your time with me, and we can discuss any questions you may have about your trip to France.
- PDF document summarizing our conversation (within 5 business days)
- Recommendations for activities, things to do, hotels, and restaurants, though these can vary depending on your preferences.
Not Included:
- I don’t make bookings for accommodations, restaurants, and activities on your behalf.
- Specific dietary, health, visa, or insurance-related advice.
STEP-BY-STEP
How It Works
Getting the personalized help you need for your trip to France is simple. Just follow these three easy steps:
Step 1: Book Your Consultation
Choose the length that works best for you (either 30 minutes or 60 minutes). Then, pick a time that fits your schedule, and you’ll receive an email with a link to our Google Meet call.
Step 2: Chat with a Local Expert
We will meet on a video call to talk about your upcoming vacation. We will look at your plans together, and I will share my firsthand advice from living and traveling across France.
Step 3: Travel with Confidence
You’ll leave the call with your questions answered and a clear, realistic plan for your trip.
WHAT YOU GET FROM OUR CALL
Why Chat with a Local?
✓ Save Hours of Frustrating Research
Stop scrolling through conflicting reviews and outdated blogs. I will give you direct, accurate answers based on current, on-the-ground experience.
✓ Skip the Tourist Traps
I will point you toward authentic restaurants, hidden gems, and local favorites you will not find in a standard guidebook.
✓ Build a Realistic, Doable Itinerary
I can review your plans to ensure your train routes make sense, your travel times are accurate, and your daily schedule leaves plenty of room to enjoy your trip.
✓ Eliminate the Stress of the Unknown
Whether you need help understanding local customs or figuring out transport, we’ll clear up the confusion so you arrive relaxed and ready to explore.
HERE’S PROOF
What do people say about my advice?
Planning a trip to a foreign country feels much easier when you have a trusted friend to guide you.
I spend my days navigating France so you get current, practical advice instead of guesswork.
Here is how my direct guidance has helped recent visitors:
“Run…don’t walk to book a consultation with Jen through her site!!! Jen has been so incredibly helpful in finalizing our upcoming trip and itinerary. She gave us detailed feedback, suggested walking paths, restaurant ideas and expert info on the area. I highly highly recommend you have her look over your itinerary and don’t wait until the last minute like me! I’m so excited for our trip and feel so much better now that I have her stamp of approval on our plan!! Thanks Jen 
!”
Sacha
“Dear Jen, You went above and beyond. I cannot thank you enough for your time and energy!”
Karen
“I’m still also grateful for the 2024 trip we took to Strasbourg and the surrounding area for the Christmas markets. You, and your website played an important role in our research and planning.”
Greg
“I’m grateful for people like you who take the time to make planning a trip so much easier!”
Donna
“Thank you Jen Ciesielski. Information you share here helped me a lot when I visited Strasbourg this past December 2025 
“
“Margaret
THE FACE BEHIND THE ADVICE
Hi, I’m Jen.
Planning a trip to France is much easier when you have a friend already living there. I help travelers plan stress-free vacations by sharing my firsthand experience.
My actual job is traveling across France (and I love it). That means I know what works, what to skip, and how long things really take because I do it every single week.
When we sit down to chat, my goal is simple. I want to give you honest, practical guidance so you can step off the plane feeling confident.
Let’s make sure you spend your valuable vacation time actually enjoying France, rather than stressing over logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during our consultation?
We will meet on a video call to discuss your upcoming trip to France. You bring your ideas, rough itinerary, and all your questions. I bring my firsthand experience living and traveling around the country. We will review your plans together to make sure your travel times are as accurate as possible, your daily schedule is doable, and your trip fits your travel style.
I don’t see a time that works for me. What Should I do?
Please email me at jen [at] dabblinginjetlag [dot] com, and I can help you find a time that works for you.
What regions and cities do you specialize in?
I have traveled all over France, so I can help with anything. But some of my favorite regions and cities are Alsace, Burgundy, northern France, Paris, southern France, and eastern France.
What kinds of topics can we cover?
We can cover anything you like. Some ideas to consider include the best cities to visit, top things to do, foods to try, the best time to visit a particular area, how much time to spend in each city or region, and how to get around.
Can I use this consultation to ask about living in France?
Yes, if you’re considering spending more time in France and want a clearer picture of what everyday life is like, I’m happy to share my firsthand perspective. We can talk about the day-to-day realities of living here, adapting to life in France, and what to expect. Please note that I do not provide legal, visa, or immigration advice.
What topics don’t you cover?
In general, I have a very broad knowledge of life and travel in France. But there are some topics I can’t answer, such as specific dietary, health, visa, and insurance-related topics.
Will you book my train tickets or hotels for me?
I do not book tickets, accommodations, or tours for you. I act as your personal travel consultant rather than a traditional travel agent. However, I will show you exactly how to book everything yourself and share the most reliable websites.
What is your policy for rescheduling?
If you need to reschedule, you can email me at least 72 hours before our scheduled call to find a better time. Keep in mind that I can’t guarantee availability for last-minute appointments.
What happens if we need more time during the call?
I want to make sure you get the help you need. If you realize you still have questions, you can easily book another consultation call.