5 MISADVENTURES ON A NIGHT OUT

You've made it to Paris. You've seen the sights, sampled the food. You've done some research and you’re ready for a night out. What could go wrong?

As amazing as Paris is, a great night out isn't a sure thing, so here are a few misadventures that could (and do) spoil your night. Take care to avoid each if possible.

GOING TO THAT ONE EMPTY BAR

You've got your pregame on and you’re ready to hit the town. You heard about this one bar from someone and that’s supposed to be a wild party late in the evening. You arrive and it’s quiet, so you get a drink and wait. You see people shuffling around, so you get another drink and wait a bit longer. It’s almost midnight and you don’t really see much happening. By now it’s almost 1AM and the bar is still quiet and remains as such – a total flop. Always check the bar’s website and Facebook page before putting all your eggs in one pretty basket.

SUPER EXPENSIVE POST HAPPY HOUR DRINKS

One of the fun quirks in Paris is the extensive happy hour, or hours as the French say. You can spend most of your night spending very little and drinking very much. After a few rounds, you decide to stay for one more. You order 2 drinks, hand over €20 and get €1 back. Oops. You’re shocked. What happened? Last time you got €11 back for the same order. You check your watch and realize happy hour is over. It won’t ruin your night, but be sure to check the menu to know when the happy hours are. Why pay more than €4 for a pint if you can avoid it?

LECHEROUS OLD MEN

We all know they exist. And Paris is no exception. You're out with your friends and having a good time. There is that one senior citizen in the bar minding his own business. Older folks are allowed out, too (we're not ageists!). But then he starts to invade your space, leaning in to touch you, at best, inappropriately. If he buys you a drink, maybe you'll let him hang around a bit longer but generally aggressive behavior by lecherous older men (or any lecherous men, really) is a sign that it’s time to leave.

VOMIT ON THE DANCE FLOOR

Yes, it’s come to that point in the night, you've had a few drinks, maybe even flirted with someone you think is cute, and you want to bust a move. You head to the crowded dancefloor. They’re playing your song and you just want to have a good time. Then everyone stops dancing and starts backing away. Then comes the smell and you realize what’s happened. Someone has vomited. Sure it’ll get cleaned up, but it’s tough coming back from that one. The lesson? Drink responsibly…

LOSING YOUR STUFF

It’s 5AM, maybe earlier, maybe later, but it’s time to go home. You came with a jacket and a scarf, or at least you think you had one when you left the house. Maybe you put it in the corner of the club or under a chair. But now it’s not there. Paris bars and clubs always offer a coat check and generally it’s a good idea to pay a few euros for it. Just don’t lose your ticket to get your stuff back!