Tips for PackingIt can be challenging to pack for France, particularly if you will visit multiple cities. For the most part, the World Cup is being conducted during a moderate time of year. Be prepared for extremes, as you could encounter hot days or cool nights. Your packing list should include:
A hot weather outfit
A sweater or light jacket
Good walking shoes
More importantly, before you head to France, be sure to check off the items on this list while you pack. These are must-haves for your trip, and will make the vacation go much more smoothly.
1) Wheeled Backpack
As anyone who has traveled around France by train knows, versatile luggage is crucial. There is a preference these days for the rolling backpack because it can be carried on your back or rolled through the airports or train stations when your shoulders feel like they are about to burn right off. Some models are better than others because they are roomy and don't get too heavy when it's worn as a backpack. Consult your local specialist travel luggage store like Paddy Palin or Kathmandu.
2) Multi-Function Digital Camera
For any trip, a decent digital camera is a real plus. These days gadgets come as large as handy 5-megapixel cameras that really outdoes itself (while cutting down on the gadgets you'll need to pack). Some even make products that are a camera, camcorder and Mp3 player, and do a pretty decent job in all the roles. Versatile and handy! When thinking about cameras, also think storage.
Ensure you have plenty of memory cards handy and that the camera is set to the largest resolution possible. A few more cards and higher resolution shots while you travel equals far better photographs when you return home.
It is also handy to pack a back-up device if travelling for a prolonged period to ensure you don't lose any precious images.
3) Voltage Converter with Adaptor Plug Set
If you plan to plug in anything you bring with you, it won't fit in the holes unless you bring an adaptor (and these are surprisingly hard to find over there), and it just might get burned out if you don't convert the electrical current. This is the best investment you can make: a few bucks to save (and be able to use) your electronics worth hundreds of dollars.
4) Comfortable Walking Shoes
In France, you walk. You walk to shop. You walk along the Seine. You walk to attractions. And when you get to those attractions, you walk up 10 flights of spiral stairs. This is the best investment you can make before your trip. Get a nice pair of high-quality walking shoes. If you don't have the cash, at least get a couple pairs of walking inserts. Trust us. You will thank us later.
5) Earplanes For Ear Pain
Avoid ear pain on the long flight to France with these wonderful, inexpensive Earplanes. We've used them many times personally to avoid pesky popping and pain. Just stick them in your ears on the departure and for the descent. They even come in versions for children, which could make for a much more peaceful flight.
6) France Maps
The worst feeling is to be in France, lost, and only have a limited grasp of the language. Avoid such mishaps with a very good France map, which is absolutely crucial if you plan to drive at all. Buying a map while in France, it will be tough to find one in English, so get it before you go. Consult this list of top road maps of France. Most travel guides books also have, not only national maps, but those of each region you are travelling through - worth the investment before you head overseas.
7) Door Stop Alarm
For increased security in a foreign land, we recommend that it is always better to travel with an alarm. Wedge this under hotel door or train compartment door and, if it opens, an alarm will sound.
8) Sharper Image Travel Sound Soother 20 with LCD Alarm Clock
This is a must-have, especially as you adjust to the new time zone. It is important to have a good travel alarm. What's great about this travel clock is it also features 20 soothing sounds. If you've ever been woken in the night at a hotel in Paris or Nice by the sound of a noisy scooter or an irate driver honking, you know how important this feature is. You can even use an earbud to avoid disturbing others (say on the plane or train).
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