My favorite thing I used to do before I moved to France was pack older shoes and clothes that I don't want anymore but still wear, then shop here in France for new clothes and shoes, then donate the old before I went back to the US. =)
First time my wife was going to go with me to France, she bought a HUGE suitcase. On the night before the trip, my cousin convinced her to dump it, so we went to Ross and got some thing smaller. (Of course, she being my wife, she wouldn't listen to my prior advice...). Once we got to France, she was SO HAPPY that she had a small suitcase, and this was because our first lodging was a BnB wherein we had to climb two flights of teeny tiny winding stairs to get to our room. Lots of American's don't realize that many of the older buildings in Europe were built for people who were on average smaller than today's genetic superbreed known as an "American". Remember, the architecture will reflect this!
I will add "clothes that don't mix and match" to the list (including shoes). It's way easier to pack light if pretty much all or most of your tops can be mixed with all or most of your bottoms. And no shoes that only go with one or two outfits!
I wear an orthotic insert/insole in my new-but-broken-in-and-very-supportive walking shoes that's the same color (black) as the original insoles. I place my money/paper bills in between the original insole and the insert, keeping a few euros/pounds out for daily use. No one ever knows it's there! Usually I keep pounds in my left shoe, euros in my right!
Here in Europe when we go to check in for a flight if there's anything that's liquid or soft in your baggage such as shampoo, perfume, toothpaste etc or even soft cheese, they'll take it out and throw it away, unless you buy it at a duty free counter and it's in a transparent plastic bag. I would also add that when you take your suitcase on roulettes through a turnstile in a railway or metro station, push it in front of you, not behind.
I always buy cheap plastic bottles for travel at CVS. Then I put in a realistic amount of shampoo (for instance). Then I take a piece of Saran Wrap, cut off a smaller piece and put it over the top of the bottle, making sure that I have enough to go past the neck of the bottle, Then I screw on the top to the bottle. Lastly, I put things that might leak into a gallon size ziplock freezer bag and seal it, removing as much excess air as possible. No leaks. If the bottle has a squirt top, I put on the saran wrap and poke the squirter tube through it and screw on the top as before. I also take a large piece of saran wrap, fold and wrap it around a bottle and do the same thing on the way home. No leaks. If I'm staying long enough to think I will need to do laundry, I use one of the bottles and pack Perwoll liquid detergent in it to do a couple of loads. Cuts down on over packing and can be used in european washing machines in your VRBO. When I get home, I either use up or put excess products back in their original containers and wash the plastic travel bottles in the top rack of my dishwasher. I find a small basket used for baby bottle tops and pacifiers is great for the travel bottle lids. Once they are dry, they get put away in a freezer bag to be used for the next trip. I use this technique whenever we travel by plane and can use the same travel bottles for a couple years.
My worst mistake was not bringing an EpiPen. I’m allergic to shellfish and peanuts. If you don’t understand the language you can order the wrong thing or it can be mixed in with other ingredients so you realize it’s in the dish.
Yes, some people don't seem to realise we voluntarily have old stone roads in cities to slow traffic and keep heritage coherent, so pack comfortable shoes if you plan to visit a lot, even in Paris !
Also - funny story - I'll NEVER forget back packing as a student in Europe for a month, meeting an American family who had 4 GIGANTIC suitcases with them for a 3 week trip. They couldn't believe I just had a small backpack on my back for the same amount of travel time!
She didn’t mention that most metro stations (in Paris) don’t have functioning elevators or escalators, hence you have to carry everything up and down, in and out, over and under, and around and through connecting from one line to another, particularly at train stations, like Gare du Nord.
Oh my gosh....you brought back memories 😂😂😂 Your advice is 200 % gold. And trying to get those massive suitcases through the crowds on public transit and past all the other suitcase toting tourists,?🙄🤪
Been there, done that! I will say that the Gare du Nord *does* have escalators all the way from the quai du Métro all the way up, up, up to the Eurostar even! But getting your large suitcase to the point can indeed be a problem. (What I've done is to leave my suitcase next to the outgoing door, go through the turnstiles with my ticket, and then "récupérer" my suitcase from the large "outgoing door" -- holding onto the door the whole time!
Back in 1991 I was stationed in West Germany and made my fourth trip to France. I ran out of soap in Cannes and didn't know the word for soap (Savon). I learned quickly! Pretty good stuff! I would not recommend deodorant from Germany. American deodorant and anti-antiperspirant is way different than Europe!
Ah yes, pack light, wash often was our mantra. But we did buy a medium sized duffel near the end of the trip where we put stuff we bought or weren't going to wear on that 12 hour flight home plus the last few days' laundry. We schlepped that thing to the airport, checked it (yes paid for it but worth it) and forgot it. If they mistakenly sent it to Iceland and it didn't show up for 3 weeks, who cares? Except for the laundry of course. Whew!
the one thing not to bring to France = sunscreen/sunblock. French sunscreens/sunblocks are so cheap and good, and readily available from any pharmacy! I ended up stocking 4-5 bottles back home (3x more expensive back home!).
I’ve been a carry on only traveler for years. My motto is that the store will store it for me. I do pack the oldest pajamas, underwear, jeans, makeup and shoes I own. At the end of my trip, I discard them to make room for any new purchases I have made. My souvenirs tend to be jewelry, shoes, kitchen items and books. Thank you for making this video.
Isn't it the best feeling to know you have packed so minimally that you never have to worry about stowing your luggage on a plane and can waltz out of the airport with you backpack ready to explore the world!!!!!
Keychains. I always buy keychains. They take up no room, are cheap and I can get enough for everyone. For me, me mugs. I'm a little obsessed with coffee mugs lol.
As a European I can definitely confirm it's best to leave your oversized American sweatpants and your typical Asics or Skechers at home haha. If you want to blend in then casual shorts and shoes are the norm here. Sportier shoes by Adidas or Nike or for example Reebok classics are definitely OK for casual wear but only wear running or tennis shoes when you're actually going for a run or a game. Pants or jeans shouldn't be too baggy either. Slim or skinny is the norm in Europe. Jeans don't need to be tight so don't worry if you're not comfortable wearing stretchy jeans especially as a guy. Just trim down on the fabric as much as you can so you don't look like someone who came straight from the 90s. Of course you'll find a wide array of fashion styles in Europe so these are just some basic tips for when you don't want to stand out as what we describe as the typical American tourist. If you don't care about your looks and just wanna feel comfortable you're still very welcome. 😁
Bonjour 👋🏻, Diane. When I am in Paris ,☝🏻specifically, I always put a 100 euro 💶 bill inside of my 🧦 sock-not my shoe, but my sock. That way if I get mugged/robbed, I at least have enough money to take a taxicab 🚕 back to my hôtel no matter where I am.
Really good points, all of them. My only question would be about guide books, maps, etc - which I love! I don’t know if this is for everyone, but I limit clothes to four days’ worth and plan to do laundry. It’s simpler and the weight it saves is worth it. I don’t mind doing laundry abroad, even if by hand. Also, great point about not bringing anything you wouldn’t want to lose. Cheers thanks
I leave the spinner at home and wear a backpack (20L - 40L) + crossbody and/or bumbag. I wear as many clothes as possible, with pockets, layered. I cut my hair super short and only use the hotel's shampoo and conditioner. I DO bring my own 1 oz. 'vial' of styling product for curly hair + 1 oz. vial or lotion moisturizing lotion for curly hair. My hair style is 'wash and wear' - so I don't even need a comb or brush - just finger style. I bring deodorant packets - 1 packet for every 2 days away and cut wipe in half (they're large). I use hotel's toothbrush & toothpaste - but I DO bring my waterpick and floss picks. I DO bring a 3 oz. jar of SPF50 sunscreen lotion. But on last trip it was too much - didn't use much because we stayed in hotel during hot sun hours. So I'm going to decant SPF50 into a 1 oz. vial. Most important tip: Learn to speak French - learn at least some BASIC French phrases. You don't have to be fluent. Learn enough French to make some simple jokes, ask for directions (pre GPS/smartphone), order fave meal, find the toilet find nearest pharmacy or grocery/market.... Made my trip fun. 2nd most important tip: Visit in spring/summer not cold months. Happy Travels!
Nice tips. We go to Europe frequently enough that I actually bought an inexpensive travel dryer in Europe, so I just take that with me. Also, I highly recommend bar shampoo - doesn´t count as a liquid and works well - I haven´t had good luck with the bar conditioners - but they are available as well. We purchased internationally approved luggage - these are generally smaller than US allowances.
I have found American carry-on rules very lax and French ones very strict! Weigh and be sure! The French attendant was not at all impressed that if the bag made it to France in the overhead, it could return to America the same way! I believe the comment was that "WE are not going to drop you into the middle of the ocean!" LOL!
Diane, thank you for your videos, I’m watching them all the time and very thankful for the effort and honesty. About the hair curlers/irons - I always buy it in the country I am travelling to
Great tips! I agree about the shoes. I’m very sensible when it comes to shoes but a friend obsessed over what shoes to take when we went to Rome. She wore a pair of low heel sandals that she said she wore all the time. Had blisters after the first day after walking the Roman cobbles! I take travel size everything and trash them at end of trip to make room for souvenirs. I have travelpro suitcase too because that’s what a lot of flight attendants use.
After my straightener burned my hair (bad electrical in the building), I bought a straightener in France. Live & learn. 😬 If you don't want to wear your regular wedding bands, we found bands that we use for a lot of travel & adventure, called Groove Life.
I always bring outfits I can rotate or multi purpose. A dress in a neutral color I can “dress” up with a scarf/belt or cardigan that I can wear with a top and pants and 2 pairs of shoes. I don’t bring jewelry or accessories as I like to pick them up in a foreign country and have a nice souvenir and it’s not a Knickknack collecting dust on a shelf. My rule is don’t travel with anything you can afford to lose. Always bring travel size toiletries or use saved beauty samples and if you run out the pharmacies are always a nice place to explore and shop (who doesn’t like using French toothpaste). I pack it for nearly 2 weeks using a carry on luggage while my friend was lugging around a huge luggage that was like a coffin! I joke I pack like James Bond….ready to fly at a moments notice…😂
Yay TravelPro! I love the brand and have to steal mine back from my son and his wife lol They are the greatest. Love your stuff! Keep up the good work.
@@OuiInFrance If you are currently in France (and building on what has been said in the video), definitely try Lamazuna! It's a French brand, known for their zero to low waste amazing products. I use their shampoos since 2014, never been disapointed, same with the conditionner bar!
I use handmade soap from Petunia Farms. I have fine hair that manufactured shampoos make thin and lank. Petunia Farms soap is all natural (unlike Lush) and makes my hair fuller and brings out the natural wave without any work on my part.
Great tips. Taking a small carry-on bag for 3 weeks in France. Will not be able to fit in these products you mention anyway. Luckily I’m low maintenance. No jewellery, no hair gadgets. Staying in hotels and Airbnbs that have these if needed. Loved watching your vid. Making me so excited for travel next week. Cheers from 🇦🇺
Give your bottles a little squeeze before sealing. This creates a little vacuum seal. Another tip I’ve seen is to cut a little square of plastic from a thin shopping bag and place it over the bottle opening before snapping it shut.
The best tip is to take care of pickpocket in Paris or any touristic place. I'm french, i put nothing valuable in my backpack because my bag was open two times. I always chose one with a special pocket on the back of the backpack. So the pocket is stick on my back, impossible to open when I wear it and i put inside only my credit card and my ID card. Otherwise a little travelling belt is a good idea so you can lost the essential.
Definitely. My dad already had his wallet stolen in the subway. The thief then dropped it somewhere and a kind soul returned it to the "objets trouvés", where he found it again, driver's license and important cards included (except his blue card of course). So if you lose something, go to the "objets trouvés" (found objects).
My mom and grandma when travelling always used something to tie the backpack close. They usually used some gift wrap plastic ribbons. Solid and a hell to take off, so your important things are safe.
I do bring my Kindle when I travel as I used to bring many books. I also bring enough shampoo/conditioner/lotions as I have allergies and cannot just pick up things. At the end of travel, I leave what’s left behind and have more space-and weight-for souvenirs! I totally agree on breaking in shoes and bringing clothes you know are comfortable and work with many pieces.
It occurs to me that if you are travelling to France, there may be anti-allergy brands you could try back home, such as La Roche Posay etc, sold in the US, and if some products work for you, you could pick them up locally. Just a suggestion.
I had a wallet just big enough for my license a credit card and a debit card with health insurance information. All the rest of my cards stay home. The wallet also is just big enough for my phone to fit with those items, (I shoved a few Euros in there too) with a wrist strap. I carried that around with me sight seeing and left the rest at the hotel. It's close enough that you will know if someone tries to take it, but light enough to not bother you. It also keeps your hands free. Since I am visiting family I pack gifts in my small suitcase and backpack. Then it empties out so I have room for souvenirs to return home with. The way I pack is meds, passport, wallet, a small 2$ fleece blanket and whatever I am packing to entertain and feed myself on the flight. The rest goes in the suitcase just in case the flight is too full and I'm forced to check my bag (it's happened a few times to me). This way I have all my essential items on my person in case my suitcase is lost. I buy hygiene items once there like shampoo, tampons (I will stuff a few in my backpack to last the flight) and disposable razors I will leave there. I wear a lightweight jacket in the airport. Then when I get tired I can bunch up the jacket to act as my own pillow and I still have a blanket to keep warm. (Not a fan of the airline supplied ones). Those reversible skirts made from recycled saris are excellent to travelling. They act as at least two skirts. I usually wear it on the flight as I can adjust how tight it is easily. My hair is thrown in a quick bun the morning I leave. It stays up until I arrive and I pull the hair tie out as I'm walking to the exits. Voila. Perfect wages and bounce and you look presentable without needing a shower right away. My brother's job has required going directly to events from the airport, so this is how we get there on time. I do makeup in the car. Pop some breath mints in my mouth and we are off.
Biggest packing mishap was on my last trip when I took my laptop as I thought I would be doing some work. I didn't put it in a properly padded laptop case and, on the Eurostar from Paris, someone put a heavy suitcase on top of it before I could move it - smashed screen and I couldn't use it for the rest of the trip. This can, of course, happen anywhere so my advice for any travel is, if you're going to take stuff like laptops, tablets, etc. put them in proper bags and make sure they don't get squashed! But tbh most of the time, you won't even need it anyway.
Keep a laptop and any electronic gear in a smaller bag or backpack at your seat. Last time in France I had "a feeling" about my roller that was on one of the luggage racks at the end of the carriage. At a big intermediate stop (Bordeaux) I walked to the rack and stepped inside a vacant seat to keep an eye on it. Sure enough, the bags had been moved around, a woman grabbed MY bag by mistake, and moved to the door. I started shouting "That's not your bag!" and she looked down. She quickly put my bag back and took her own. Always keep valuables right beside or above you.
After a dual-voltage blow dryer mishap in Austria decades ago, I bought an inexpensive blow dryer there and have taken it with me everywhere in Europe (including France) ever since. If you are not staying in a hotel with a blow dryer, this is the way to go! For longer stays, I bring unraveling old sweat clothes with me to sleep in (this would be anathema to a French person), and throw them away before I go home---more room in the luggage. Diane, your videos are so human and humane!
Oh man, did you have smoke and shooting flames like me? It's a rite of passage. ;-) Great tip to just buy a small European hair dryer if you travel often. Glad you enjoy my content. Thank you!
@@phoener as far as I know, Phillips (at least here in France) electric razors are multi voltage, multi frequency. I brought mine along to the US and Japan (2 different frequencies in the same country!!!) No problem.
The only thing I don't agree on is the money belt. A slim, UNDER CLOTHES money belt to keep your passport and an extra credit card is a good thing. Mine goes under my clothes, along my back. It's not noticable at all and my passport is with me and safe. I never take it out in public. I have a slim wallet with cash and a secure credit card and any passes I need to use in a inside pocket or my crossbody bag that use in public. But a hidden, secure money belt . . . I WOULD recommend that.
Must disagree strongly on the money belt issue. I’ve had friends pickpocketed in Paris, while I was safe and secure. A small, discrete money belt is invisible and very safe.
I made up a sacrificial dummy nylon wallet for my back pocket, filled with various junk cards and a stack of color copier $20 fake bills (printed on the front side as money with a watermark that said "FAKE MONEY", and on the plain white back side a nasty note for the "voleur maladroit"), and kept my money safely elsewhere, with a small amount for casual spending in public in my front pocket. I was kind of disappointed that it didn't get lifted, not that there weren't numerous failed attempts on the Metro in Paris.
I personally prefer my small thin over shoulder bag. Carries phone, card, cash (perhaps passport) and sits under my arm and under jacket. Cheers from 🇦🇺
I have a money bag that goes around ur neck. I put under my shirt. Also carry a backpack for all my shopping items even if it's just groceries. Most place charges for a bag nowadays.
it's not the Hz that kills American appliances in France, it's the Volts. The voltage in France is 230V, like much of the EU, and America has 120V. You would need a matching transformer that meets the wattage rating of your appliance (a bulky and expensive addition to your luggage), not just a simple plug adapter, unless there is a voltage switch. Most appliances, unless they have synchronous motors, don't care about the frequency. It's cheaper and easier to buy any required small appliances on arrival than to pack them from home.
The hertz in hair appliances in particular did contribute to mine catching fire. I was using a voltage converter and adapter yet it still caught fire. An electrician explained the difference in hertz was the problem.
Thanks for the great suggestions. I love your videos. I suppose it’s difficult to make broad recommendations. But if I were staying in a city, I’d never use a backpack during the day. I’d use a really nice leather tote/handbag to hold everything including an umbrella, and water. I would definitely leave behind multiple hand bags. One great handbag or large tote handbag in excellent condition in a neutral color are all you need. Even for the evening (unless it’s very dressy). Although you touched on athleisure wear (no) and nice shorts and sneakers (yes) I’m sure it goes without saying to leave behind all logo’d tshirts and sweatshirts. I’d say leave sweatshirts behind and opt for a nice sweater or jacket.
Fabulous videos Diane! You always put your heart into your videos. I love you nails if you ever have a chance to film a nail salon in France that would be wonderful! Thank you for being so thoughtful and making a trip to France a possibility in the future.
So glad you enjoyed it! Hair salons are way more common in France than nail salons (not like US where they're in every shopping plaza). Thank you for the idea and compliment. A Vietnamese friend does my nails. ;-)
@@OuiInFrance thank you for the response 👍 You are blessed with a very artist friend! My Vietnamese nail tech was very talented in Florida. I love the designs on your nails. Hair salons would be very interesting as well.
Yes, nail salons in France. I've had extremely good luck with manicures on 3 recent trips. It always takes lots of research. I choose yelp-rated salons close to my hotel or in the center of small towns. I once found a salon owned and run by a British lady. What a find!
Thank you Diane for these valuable tips. I made most of these mistakes on my first trip. After that experience of too large of a bag, bringing back clothes and shoes that didn't even get worn, I use just a carry on with matching ensembles. Buying some toiletries there made for nice souvenirs. When shopping for a suitcase, if I couldn't hold it over my head comfortably it was already too heavy to even think about buying. Spinning wheels are a must. Cheers!
On a side note…As a frequent traveler to Paris (and other areas but Paris has the highest standards), and while it’s true that comfort counts, how you dress and your manners when you first arrive can influence how you are treated if you’re staying at a hotel rather than a Airbnb. It’s a plus to look nicely put together when you arrive to check in. Sounds awful after an overnight flight? Just about half hour before landing, I change out of comfy sweats into a nice pair of trousers, a nice top, with a blazer or cute lightweight coat that will be my one piece of outerwear for the entire trip, a bit of makeup, nice ballerina flats and a nice scarf…French women love scarfs…just make sure you know how to wear it.!. I always wipe clean the outside of my luggage before a trip and if it coordinates, all the better. When you arrive, (even at a Five Star Palace hotel) and other Americans are tired and cranky and look a mess, you just stand out in a good way. By staying soft spoken, using a bit of basic French, and by looking as if I’ve made an effort, I almost always get an upgraded accommodation, and much sooner. I think they appreciate that you’ve made an effort. No matter what, be super polite. Making the effort is really worth it. And keeping your voice down helps 😊. If my spouse looks grungy or my kids, (I have them sit somewhere else 🤣)
Yes, either buy electrical appliances like hair dryers after arrival or use appliances provided by the hotel. My experience with dual voltage electrical appliances has been that they aren't very good. The under-trousers money belt I use is > not < visible. As long as I don't have to cope with climate extremes or sports that require special clothing I can get by on two carry on bags for weeks. When I do need to check a bag I use a flight attendant size rolling bag.
@@OuiInFrance Ha, same, but only once! 😉 And thank you, I am very well! While you are in the U.S. I came back to France! Took advantage of the border opening to vaccinated Americans and arrived right on the 9th. And guess what - we are going to Angers in a couple of weeks! Hope you enjoy the rest of your time in the U.S. and have a safe and uneventful flight home!
Although stilettos are definitely not worth packing it’s important to bring along at least one pair of upgraded shoes. It’s always nice to have one pair of nicer shoes such as a pair of ballerina flats or chunky block heels. Just putting on a different pair of shoes can transform an outfit. I realized after over packing for years that only you know how many times you’ve worn the same outfit. However, whether or not you plan to eat at a Michelin restaurant, it never hurts to bring one versatile, classic dress (“lbd” for example) which can be the go-to upgrade for your entire trip.
50 years ago, a friend had a horrible experience, A relative in England loved grenadine syrup, but couldn't find it for sale there. On her next trip to the UK, as a kindly gesture, my friend bought two bottles of grenadine and put them in her luggage before leaving Geneva. In the airport in London, she noticed people staring at her and at her suitcase, which was dripping a trail of sticky red liquid. It was only grenadine from a broken bottle, but that was not what it looked like.
Ladies, most of of your favourite brands of cosmetics + are French brands, easily available. You will certainly want to buy some clothes in France, leave some space for that must have. To the middle aged man, pack polo shirts, cargo shorts & deck shoes for casual, the locals will think you are a boater type wearing the best he stowed. I live near the Atlantic coast & this is the norm.
Why would you want to spend any part of your holiday shopping for basics? You take your usual brands with 2 weeks supply left, and throw away what's left at the end.
Everyone likes doing different things I guess. Probably less wasteful to donate anything you don't want to bring back. Can't say I've ever thrown away clothes at the end of vacation though!
@@gillchatfield3231 I find shopping in French pharmacies and at Yves Rocher to be fascinating. Diane has several videos about this. So, shopping for "basics" isn't wasting time - for me anyway.
You can get hair dryers that have a switch to select between 110v and 220v. This did remind me of a guy from Chicago that I met in London in the 90’s. He had shipped his giant TV over to the UK not knowing that the plugs and voltage were different never mind the fact that his TV was NTSC and wouldn’t work even if he could sort out the power.
OK, Bonjour Diane! We enjoyed the video and especially agree about suitcases! Having had a fairly recent (well, pre-Covid) trip to Venice, big bags are definitely stupid. But inquiring minds want to know: are you planning to take up old-time diving? We noted the dive helmet in your video...and have a great week!
All good one-bag techniques. Mix and match clothing, minimum number of shoes, travel size personal items. I'm over 60 and have traveled for 3 weeks in a 30L backpack, we don't need giant rolling bags.
Thanks so much Diane! We are about to move to France, so this has given me some thoughts about what we will bring. Answer? Nothing! Just kidding - certainly will be leaving my hair dryer and shampoos behind, can get them in France! :)
I've also made that mistake bringing a straightener. I plugged it in and it burned up about 2 seconds later. Mine didn't catch on fire, but I was so sad!
After traveling with some friends on a couple of European trips, think ahead if you are renting a car. Americans are not accustomed to the smaller European cars and how much luggage we were bringing. On our first trip we couldn't fit it all in the car and ended up having to make two trips to the airport just to transport all of our luggage
Excellent tip! Picture 4 American women trying to get all the bags in the trunk of a car. We ended up having to put some in the car and fold ourselves around the luggage, it wasn't comfortable. After that, one small case is enough for me.
@@lauriecalery8801 Exactly, I have those extra large international suitcases but have not used them now that I realize I don’t need 70% of the things I was packing. If I forgot or needed something, it just gave me an excuse to shop
@@raymondbarry4196 I now use that huge case for storage...switching out summer & winter clothes. Lol The funniest part about my huge case is it is super lightweight. 🤣
Stumbled onto this page and into a topic that has always perplexed me. I never travel to France for less than two months and have never packed anything more than a carry-on bag, even in winter. I'm pretty sure that around 90% of the global population is better at math than me, so I don't understand why packing-related math is so challenging to so many people. Just assume, for example, that I bring 4 pairs of pants, 8 shirts, 2 light jackets and 2 pairs of shoes. The number of possible combinations? 512. That's not enough for a vacation? Having lived a large part of my life in Europe, my observation has been that most Americans travel to Europe carrying more cloths around in suitcases than most Europeans have in their closets.
Really? So you're gonna wear those 8 shirts for 512 times? What about clothes getting dirty? There are so many things you didn't take into account with that calculation.
@@tabbycat5547 Ummm, I wash my cloths regularly. It's neither rocket science nor inconvenient. Every country I have ever visited has both water and soap.
@Tabby Cat laundry machines and sink laundry are a thing. Also, it's a first world country...they have clothes that aren't hundreds of euros for a shirt...if you really need something else to wear, it's able to be purchased.
Every time I travel to France I pack less and less and I'm always happy to have one light, easy to deal with carry-on bag. Based on the progression of packing less and less, in a few trips I'll be packing only 1 pair of underwear, 1 pair of socks and nothing else.
Regarding your TravelPro spinner? It's the brand's "top of the line" Platinum Magna design from a few years back. I have several Platinum Magna bags and they're the best. Your relative who gifted you the set must love you a lot. And the color isn't "weird," just different. Also (I'm pretty much a luggage nerd), be aware that some luggage sold on Amazon is NOT the true brand. I've seen some TravelPro items that are definitely knock-offs there.
Hi Dianne, yes it's a great luggage line! My note about the color just to clarify was the video image color and not the suitcase. My camera didn't auto adjust the light back after I showed the suitcase. I love the color of the suitcase, that's def not weird! ;-) Thanks for watching!
Off topic: Things not available over the counter in France's pharmacies: baby aspirin (the pharmacist sold me powdered aspirin to dissolve in water instead for my "aspirin a day" ) Pseudoephedrine, any sort of Afrin-type nasal spray (steroid nasal sprays are available).
Great tips! I wish I had this video before I traveled to Europe the first time! I always have to remind myself that I'm not going to a third world country and that I can pretty much find everything I need in France. I have a really nice shave kit with all the toiletries I use. The first time I was going to go to Europe, I used my shave kit for about two weeks before I left and I quickly learned what I needed and what I didn't. Pro-tip: Toothpaste... an almost empty tube will probably last you two weeks. There's a meme going around: "I wear one pair of underwear a day... but when I travel, I plan as if I'm going to poop my pants five times a day." I am always surprised when I come home and realize that half the items I packed I never wore.
I'd have to pack a diffuser to use on the hotel hair dryer. Curly girl here. 🤣 I definitely want to pack travel sizes of my favorite products. No way am I traveling anywhere without products. Curly hair needs refreshes!
I'm a curly girl too. But I cut my hair SUPER short. It's now wash and wear. So I don't even need a comb or brush. Just swipe a towel over it - and go. yay!
I know this was a year ago, but I'll be in France for a month (one base location) in 2023. Is it easy to buy a small clothes steamer, not too expensive, at BHV or Monoprix? I hate irons, but love steamers and don't want to risk bringing a travel one that is dual voltage, but requires an adapter. Thanks!
Is that Travel Pro suitcase a carry on size? I brought a medium check in size suitcase on my last trip to Paris which was ideal. Brought back 5 designer handbags 😉
okay so i NEED a straightener in paris due to the hairstyle i got FOR the trip, so should i just buy one when i get there ? 😩 trust me, if i COULD go w out it, I would :(
yes i'd definitely recommend that you get one once there (or atleast buy one with a France plug ahead of time). Don't do what I did and try to use your US one with a converter and adapter. Have a great trip!
Fifth trip to France planned for Late November. First trip not in Spring of Fall. What should we be prepared for? Our target activity is Christmas markets. In France we will be in Paris, Strasbourg and small towns south of Strasbourg. (Also visiting Prague and Munich).
Depends where you're from - the cold can be a challenge for Australians for example as they never realise just how cold Europe can be. So - bring one big knee length jacket that will double as a pillow and blanket on the plane and keep you toasty warm whilst you browse the (freezing) christmas markets in those cities. Good travelling!
Sure! People use backpacks of all kinds pretty often, both foreign and French tourists. If it's convenient and comfortable for you, definitely travel with a backpack. I love mine. ;-)
This is great! But hold up, hold up, hold the phone....can someone explain a bit more about the hair styling tools? I'm having my engagement photo shoot in Paris and so it's important to me that my hair is done. I don't want to waste previous trip time trying to purchase one, is there a straightener or curling iron that someone could suggest that I can buy online ahead of time that would be safe? Or any resources that may be able to tell me what to look for in one? ANY help here would be appreciated because, yeah, definitely not trying to burn down the hotel, but also have very strange hair and not trying to look like Nick Nolte's mugshot in my engagement photos...
Hi there, the voltage isn't always the issue, it's the hertz. So even if you use an adapter and converter with a US one that technically converts the voltage so you can plug it in in France, it can still fry your hair or catch on fire or smoke. If it doesn't come with the France prongs for a French outlet, I wouldn't risk it especially not on your engagement shoot day. If it doesn't make sense to buy a French one for one special day, I'd consider having your hair done by a professional at a salon. They'll have all the tools you need. ;-)
It depends if you're a man or a woman. It also depends what you want to do and in which hair salon you're going to so you'll have to chose once you're in France ^^
I'm from Paris and I never understand the comments - not to say obsession... - about cobblestones, LOL - *most* of Paris no longer has them. Granted, some of the older/most historic parts that tourists are likely to visit do have them, but it's not 100% cobblestones everywhere. In any case, for walking all day, wearing comfortable shoes is essential, of course, or you'll be miserable, regardless what the ground is like. Bon voyage, everyone :)
I was at a small airport, waiting to pick up my husband. I was watching out the windows for his plane to land when I saw a pile of luggage on the tarmac near a plane. Then I saw a stray cat sniffing around the luggage pile and of course, it pee'd all over a big military green canvas bag! I felt so bad for whomever's stuff just got wet! Ewe! I NEVER use canvas suitcases/bags! I want enough plastic to keep my stuff dry!
Watching other “what to wear in Paris” has me really intimidated…. I am staying in Paris for three days before I set off on a month long Camino (walking trip). I will be living out of a back pack for 30+ days..
Don't worry about what to wear for only 3 days in Paris. Wear what you'll be wearing on the Camino and enjoy both parts of your trip. Have a great and fulfilling time.
@Sherry Duffenais Agree, don't worry about what to wear in Paris. I'd avoid wearing a matching track suit, screams tourist. Just keep an eye on your stuff at all times in Paris but most importantly, enjoy your time there. Wishing you a blessed journey.
Special launch pricing on my BRAND NEW eGuide "75 BEGINNER FRANCE TIPS for a STANDOUT TRIP:" bit.ly/3gzSWY5
Thanks for taking a look!
My favorite thing I used to do before I moved to France was pack older shoes and clothes that I don't want anymore but still wear, then shop here in France for new clothes and shoes, then donate the old before I went back to the US. =)
Where did you donate clothes in France?
First time my wife was going to go with me to France, she bought a HUGE suitcase. On the night before the trip, my cousin convinced her to dump it, so we went to Ross and got some thing smaller. (Of course, she being my wife, she wouldn't listen to my prior advice...). Once we got to France, she was SO HAPPY that she had a small suitcase, and this was because our first lodging was a BnB wherein we had to climb two flights of teeny tiny winding stairs to get to our room.
Lots of American's don't realize that many of the older buildings in Europe were built for people who were on average smaller than today's genetic superbreed known as an "American". Remember, the architecture will reflect this!
Even if there's an elevator, it's likely to be tiny, with room for two people & no suitcases or one person & one suitcase at a time.
I will add "clothes that don't mix and match" to the list (including shoes). It's way easier to pack light if pretty much all or most of your tops can be mixed with all or most of your bottoms. And no shoes that only go with one or two outfits!
Yup, great advice!!
I agree with this so much. Normally I pack a pair of sneakers and a pair of dressy flats or sandals.
I wear an orthotic insert/insole in my new-but-broken-in-and-very-supportive walking shoes that's the same color (black) as the original insoles. I place my money/paper bills in between the original insole and the insert, keeping a few euros/pounds out for daily use. No one ever knows it's there! Usually I keep pounds in my left shoe, euros in my right!
Here in Europe when we go to check in for a flight if there's anything that's liquid or soft in your baggage such as shampoo, perfume, toothpaste etc or even soft cheese, they'll take it out and throw it away, unless you buy it at a duty free counter and it's in a transparent plastic bag. I would also add that when you take your suitcase on roulettes through a turnstile in a railway or metro station, push it in front of you, not behind.
I always buy cheap plastic bottles for travel at CVS. Then I put in a realistic amount of shampoo (for instance). Then I take a piece of Saran Wrap, cut off a smaller piece and put it over the top of the bottle, making sure that I have enough to go past the neck of the bottle, Then I screw on the top to the bottle. Lastly, I put things that might leak into a gallon size ziplock freezer bag and seal it, removing as much excess air as possible. No leaks. If the bottle has a squirt top, I put on the saran wrap and poke the squirter tube through it and screw on the top as before. I also take a large piece of saran wrap, fold and wrap it around a bottle and do the same thing on the way home. No leaks. If I'm staying long enough to think I will need to do laundry, I use one of the bottles and pack Perwoll liquid detergent in it to do a couple of loads. Cuts down on over packing and can be used in european washing machines in your VRBO. When I get home, I either use up or put excess products back in their original containers and wash the plastic travel bottles in the top rack of my dishwasher. I find a small basket used for baby bottle tops and pacifiers is great for the travel bottle lids. Once they are dry, they get put away in a freezer bag to be used for the next trip. I use this technique whenever we travel by plane and can use the same travel bottles for a couple years.
My worst mistake was not bringing an EpiPen. I’m allergic to shellfish and peanuts. If you don’t understand the language you can order the wrong thing or it can be mixed in with other ingredients so you realize it’s in the dish.
Yes, some people don't seem to realise we voluntarily have old stone roads in cities to slow traffic and keep heritage coherent, so pack comfortable shoes if you plan to visit a lot, even in Paris !
Also - funny story - I'll NEVER forget back packing as a student in Europe for a month, meeting an American family who had 4 GIGANTIC suitcases with them for a 3 week trip. They couldn't believe I just had a small backpack on my back for the same amount of travel time!
She didn’t mention that most metro stations (in Paris) don’t have functioning elevators or escalators, hence you have to carry everything up and down, in and out, over and under, and around and through connecting from one line to another, particularly at train stations, like Gare du Nord.
Oh my gosh....you brought back memories 😂😂😂 Your advice is 200 % gold. And trying to get those massive suitcases through the crowds on public transit and past all the other suitcase toting tourists,?🙄🤪
Pack light and Gard Du Nord is a nightmare and a pickpockets delight.
Been there, done that!
I will say that the Gare du Nord *does* have escalators all the way from the quai du Métro all the way up, up, up to the Eurostar even! But getting your large suitcase to the point can indeed be a problem. (What I've done is to leave my suitcase next to the outgoing door, go through the turnstiles with my ticket, and then "récupérer" my suitcase from the large "outgoing door" -- holding onto the door the whole time!
Back in 1991 I was stationed in West Germany and made my fourth trip to France. I ran out of soap in Cannes and didn't know the word for soap (Savon).
I learned quickly!
Pretty good stuff! I would not recommend deodorant from Germany.
American deodorant and anti-antiperspirant is way different than Europe!
I totally agree with you Diane, TravelPro luggage is the way to go. I have a large and a small bag and I love them!
Ah yes, pack light, wash often was our mantra. But we did buy a medium sized duffel near the end of the trip where we put stuff we bought or weren't going to wear on that 12 hour flight home plus the last few days' laundry. We schlepped that thing to the airport, checked it (yes paid for it but worth it) and forgot it. If they mistakenly sent it to Iceland and it didn't show up for 3 weeks, who cares? Except for the laundry of course. Whew!
the one thing not to bring to France = sunscreen/sunblock. French sunscreens/sunblocks are so cheap and good, and readily available from any pharmacy! I ended up stocking 4-5 bottles back home (3x more expensive back home!).
Usually you can also find them in big grocery shops (super U, Auchan, Cora....) and it may be even cheaper than in pharmacy
I’ve been a carry on only traveler for years. My motto is that the store will store it for me. I do pack the oldest pajamas, underwear, jeans, makeup and shoes I own. At the end of my trip, I discard them to make room for any new purchases I have made. My souvenirs tend to be jewelry, shoes, kitchen items and books. Thank you for making this video.
Isn't it the best feeling to know you have packed so minimally that you never have to worry about stowing your luggage on a plane and can waltz out of the airport with you backpack ready to explore the world!!!!!
Keychains. I always buy keychains. They take up no room, are cheap and I can get enough for everyone. For me, me mugs. I'm a little obsessed with coffee mugs lol.
As a European I can definitely confirm it's best to leave your oversized American sweatpants and your typical Asics or Skechers at home haha. If you want to blend in then casual shorts and shoes are the norm here. Sportier shoes by Adidas or Nike or for example Reebok classics are definitely OK for casual wear but only wear running or tennis shoes when you're actually going for a run or a game.
Pants or jeans shouldn't be too baggy either. Slim or skinny is the norm in Europe. Jeans don't need to be tight so don't worry if you're not comfortable wearing stretchy jeans especially as a guy. Just trim down on the fabric as much as you can so you don't look like someone who came straight from the 90s.
Of course you'll find a wide array of fashion styles in Europe so these are just some basic tips for when you don't want to stand out as what we describe as the typical American tourist. If you don't care about your looks and just wanna feel comfortable you're still very welcome. 😁
Bonjour 👋🏻, Diane. When I am in Paris ,☝🏻specifically, I always put a 100 euro 💶 bill inside of my 🧦 sock-not my shoe, but my sock. That way if I get mugged/robbed, I at least have enough money to take a taxicab 🚕 back to my hôtel no matter where I am.
Smart tip. Hope you've never had to use it!
Bravo! Excellent tip thank you!
Thanks for sharing this video and your experience. Very informative and helpful. 😊😊
I stayed two weeks on each of my trips and used only carry on. It can be done in a way where you are also comfortable.
Really good points, all of them. My only question would be about guide books, maps, etc - which I love!
I don’t know if this is for everyone, but I limit clothes to four days’ worth and plan to do laundry. It’s simpler and the weight it saves is worth it. I don’t mind doing laundry abroad, even if by hand.
Also, great point about not bringing anything you wouldn’t want to lose.
Cheers thanks
I leave the spinner at home and wear a backpack (20L - 40L) + crossbody and/or bumbag. I wear as many clothes as possible, with pockets, layered.
I cut my hair super short and only use the hotel's shampoo and conditioner. I DO bring my own 1 oz. 'vial' of styling product for curly hair + 1 oz. vial or lotion moisturizing lotion for curly hair. My hair style is 'wash and wear' - so I don't even need a comb or brush - just finger style. I bring deodorant packets - 1 packet for every 2 days away and cut wipe in half (they're large). I use hotel's toothbrush & toothpaste - but I DO bring my waterpick and floss picks. I DO bring a 3 oz. jar of SPF50 sunscreen lotion. But on last trip it was too much - didn't use much because we stayed in hotel during hot sun hours. So I'm going to decant SPF50 into a 1 oz. vial.
Most important tip:
Learn to speak French - learn at least some BASIC French phrases. You don't have to be fluent. Learn enough French to make some simple jokes, ask for directions (pre GPS/smartphone), order fave meal, find the toilet find nearest pharmacy or grocery/market.... Made my trip fun.
2nd most important tip:
Visit in spring/summer not cold months.
Happy Travels!
Great tips and thank you 😊🙏 very helpful.
Nice tips. We go to Europe frequently enough that I actually bought an inexpensive travel dryer in Europe, so I just take that with me. Also, I highly recommend bar shampoo - doesn´t count as a liquid and works well - I haven´t had good luck with the bar conditioners - but they are available as well. We purchased internationally approved luggage - these are generally smaller than US allowances.
I have found American carry-on rules very lax and French ones very strict! Weigh and be sure! The French attendant was not at all impressed that if the bag made it to France in the overhead, it could return to America the same way! I believe the comment was that "WE are not going to drop you into the middle of the ocean!" LOL!
Diane, thank you for your videos, I’m watching them all the time and very thankful for the effort and honesty.
About the hair curlers/irons - I always buy it in the country I am travelling to
Great tips! I agree about the shoes. I’m very sensible when it comes to shoes but a friend obsessed over what shoes to take when we went to Rome. She wore a pair of low heel sandals that she said she wore all the time. Had blisters after the first day after walking the Roman cobbles! I take travel size everything and trash them at end of trip to make room for souvenirs. I have travelpro suitcase too because that’s what a lot of flight attendants use.
Ex-flight attendant, Travelpro rocks! I still buy them!
Bonjour! Excellent comme toujours ! Merci
After my straightener burned my hair (bad electrical in the building), I bought a straightener in France. Live & learn. 😬 If you don't want to wear your regular wedding bands, we found bands that we use for a lot of travel & adventure, called Groove Life.
I always bring outfits I can rotate or multi purpose. A dress in a neutral color I can “dress” up with a scarf/belt or cardigan that I can wear with a top and pants and 2 pairs of shoes. I don’t bring jewelry or accessories as I like to pick them up in a foreign country and have a nice souvenir and it’s not a Knickknack collecting dust on a shelf. My rule is don’t travel with anything you can afford to lose. Always bring travel size toiletries or use saved beauty samples and if you run out the pharmacies are always a nice place to explore and shop (who doesn’t like using French toothpaste). I pack it for nearly 2 weeks using a carry on luggage while my friend was lugging around a huge luggage that was like a coffin! I joke I pack like James Bond….ready to fly at a moments notice…😂
Yay TravelPro! I love the brand and have to steal mine back from my son and his wife lol They are the greatest. Love your stuff! Keep up the good work.
Here's a tip. Switch your plastic bottle of shampoo to a "shampoo bar", I love mine and it's better for the environment.
GREAT suggestion! What brands do you like? I know LUSH has one but have never tried one! Any conditioner bars?
@@OuiInFrance If you are currently in France (and building on what has been said in the video), definitely try Lamazuna! It's a French brand, known for their zero to low waste amazing products. I use their shampoos since 2014, never been disapointed, same with the conditionner bar!
@@santanalaforgue9154 Will check them out, merci!!
@@OuiInFrance Mais, merci à toi pour tes vidéos !
I use handmade soap from Petunia Farms. I have fine hair that manufactured shampoos make thin and lank. Petunia Farms soap is all natural (unlike Lush) and makes my hair fuller and brings out the natural wave without any work on my part.
Great tips. Taking a small carry-on bag for 3 weeks in France. Will not be able to fit in these products you mention anyway. Luckily I’m low maintenance. No jewellery, no hair gadgets. Staying in hotels and Airbnbs that have these if needed. Loved watching your vid. Making me so excited for travel next week. Cheers from 🇦🇺
I have a dual voltage Curlsmith travel hair diffuser and used it abroad without issues. Its the best ❤
I put all my bottle-type products in clear zip lock bags to contain any accidental leaks.
Yes, that's a must! Sometimes mine have still opened up from the air pressure despite being taped shut as well!
Give your bottles a little squeeze before sealing. This creates a little vacuum seal. Another tip I’ve seen is to cut a little square of plastic from a thin shopping bag and place it over the bottle opening before snapping it shut.
Never ever put a bottle in a shoe, even if it is well bagged. I ruined a nice leather boot this way!☹
I just use my brother's shampoo when I get there. 😄
The best tip is to take care of pickpocket in Paris or any touristic place.
I'm french, i put nothing valuable in my backpack because my bag was open two times. I always chose one with a special pocket on the back of the backpack. So the pocket is stick on my back, impossible to open when I wear it and i put inside only my credit card and my ID card. Otherwise a little travelling belt is a good idea so you can lost the essential.
Definitely. My dad already had his wallet stolen in the subway. The thief then dropped it somewhere and a kind soul returned it to the "objets trouvés", where he found it again, driver's license and important cards included (except his blue card of course). So if you lose something, go to the "objets trouvés" (found objects).
My mom and grandma when travelling always used something to tie the backpack close. They usually used some gift wrap plastic ribbons. Solid and a hell to take off, so your important things are safe.
I do bring my Kindle when I travel as I used to bring many books. I also bring enough shampoo/conditioner/lotions as I have allergies and cannot just pick up things. At the end of travel, I leave what’s left behind and have more space-and weight-for souvenirs! I totally agree on breaking in shoes and bringing clothes you know are comfortable and work with many pieces.
Yes, I think it makes sense to bring the kindle in place of actual books for sure, if you were going to bring them anyway.
It occurs to me that if you are travelling to France, there may be anti-allergy brands you could try back home, such as La Roche Posay etc, sold in the US, and if some products work for you, you could pick them up locally. Just a suggestion.
@@isabellem1945 I actually live in France. My husband and I moved to France in 2017.
I had a wallet just big enough for my license a credit card and a debit card with health insurance information. All the rest of my cards stay home. The wallet also is just big enough for my phone to fit with those items, (I shoved a few Euros in there too) with a wrist strap. I carried that around with me sight seeing and left the rest at the hotel. It's close enough that you will know if someone tries to take it, but light enough to not bother you. It also keeps your hands free.
Since I am visiting family I pack gifts in my small suitcase and backpack. Then it empties out so I have room for souvenirs to return home with.
The way I pack is meds, passport, wallet, a small 2$ fleece blanket and whatever I am packing to entertain and feed myself on the flight. The rest goes in the suitcase just in case the flight is too full and I'm forced to check my bag (it's happened a few times to me). This way I have all my essential items on my person in case my suitcase is lost.
I buy hygiene items once there like shampoo, tampons (I will stuff a few in my backpack to last the flight) and disposable razors I will leave there.
I wear a lightweight jacket in the airport. Then when I get tired I can bunch up the jacket to act as my own pillow and I still have a blanket to keep warm. (Not a fan of the airline supplied ones).
Those reversible skirts made from recycled saris are excellent to travelling. They act as at least two skirts. I usually wear it on the flight as I can adjust how tight it is easily. My hair is thrown in a quick bun the morning I leave. It stays up until I arrive and I pull the hair tie out as I'm walking to the exits. Voila. Perfect wages and bounce and you look presentable without needing a shower right away. My brother's job has required going directly to events from the airport, so this is how we get there on time. I do makeup in the car. Pop some breath mints in my mouth and we are off.
Biggest packing mishap was on my last trip when I took my laptop as I thought I would be doing some work. I didn't put it in a properly padded laptop case and, on the Eurostar from Paris, someone put a heavy suitcase on top of it before I could move it - smashed screen and I couldn't use it for the rest of the trip. This can, of course, happen anywhere so my advice for any travel is, if you're going to take stuff like laptops, tablets, etc. put them in proper bags and make sure they don't get squashed! But tbh most of the time, you won't even need it anyway.
Keep a laptop and any electronic gear in a smaller bag or backpack at your seat. Last time in France I had "a feeling" about my roller that was on one of the luggage racks at the end of the carriage. At a big intermediate stop (Bordeaux) I walked to the rack and stepped inside a vacant seat to keep an eye on it. Sure enough, the bags had been moved around, a woman grabbed MY bag by mistake, and moved to the door. I started shouting "That's not your bag!" and she looked down. She quickly put my bag back and took her own. Always keep valuables right beside or above you.
Great points.
After a dual-voltage blow dryer mishap in Austria decades ago, I bought an inexpensive blow dryer there and have taken it with me everywhere in Europe (including France) ever since. If you are not staying in a hotel with a blow dryer, this is the way to go!
For longer stays, I bring unraveling old sweat clothes with me to sleep in (this would be anathema to a French person), and throw them away before I go home---more room in the luggage.
Diane, your videos are so human and humane!
Oh man, did you have smoke and shooting flames like me? It's a rite of passage. ;-) Great tip to just buy a small European hair dryer if you travel often.
Glad you enjoy my content. Thank you!
My husband's chargeable electric razor shorted out in Britain. No fire, but certainly unusable afterwards. Take the disposables
@@phoener as far as I know, Phillips (at least here in France) electric razors are multi voltage, multi frequency. I brought mine along to the US and Japan (2 different frequencies in the same country!!!) No problem.
The only thing I don't agree on is the money belt. A slim, UNDER CLOTHES money belt to keep your passport and an extra credit card is a good thing. Mine goes under my clothes, along my back. It's not noticable at all and my passport is with me and safe. I never take it out in public. I have a slim wallet with cash and a secure credit card and any passes I need to use in a inside pocket or my crossbody bag that use in public. But a hidden, secure money belt . . . I WOULD recommend that.
Thank you!!
Must disagree strongly on the money belt issue. I’ve had friends pickpocketed in Paris, while I was safe and secure. A small, discrete money belt is invisible and very safe.
I made up a sacrificial dummy nylon wallet for my back pocket, filled with various junk cards and a stack of color copier $20 fake bills (printed on the front side as money with a watermark that said "FAKE MONEY", and on the plain white back side a nasty note for the "voleur maladroit"), and kept my money safely elsewhere, with a small amount for casual spending in public in my front pocket.
I was kind of disappointed that it didn't get lifted, not that there weren't numerous failed attempts on the Metro in Paris.
I have a security wallet
I personally prefer my small thin over shoulder bag. Carries phone, card, cash (perhaps passport) and sits under my arm and under jacket. Cheers from 🇦🇺
I have a money bag that goes around ur neck. I put under my shirt. Also carry a backpack for all my shopping items even if it's just groceries. Most place charges for a bag nowadays.
Just bought the e-book. Thanks, Diane.
Thank you!!!
Appliances that catch on fire? Ouch, that hertz!
it's not the Hz that kills American appliances in France, it's the Volts. The voltage in France is 230V, like much of the EU, and America has 120V. You would need a matching transformer that meets the wattage rating of your appliance (a bulky and expensive addition to your luggage), not just a simple plug adapter, unless there is a voltage switch. Most appliances, unless they have synchronous motors, don't care about the frequency. It's cheaper and easier to buy any required small appliances on arrival than to pack them from home.
@@dougbrowning82 thanks for the clarification
The hertz in hair appliances in particular did contribute to mine catching fire. I was using a voltage converter and adapter yet it still caught fire. An electrician explained the difference in hertz was the problem.
@@OuiInFrance Strange that a 10Hz difference would have that effect.
Thanks for the great suggestions. I love your videos. I suppose it’s difficult to make broad recommendations. But if I were staying in a city, I’d never use a backpack during the day. I’d use a really nice leather tote/handbag to hold everything including an umbrella, and water. I would definitely leave behind multiple hand bags. One great handbag or large tote handbag in excellent condition in a neutral color are all you need. Even for the evening (unless it’s very dressy). Although you touched on athleisure wear (no) and nice shorts and sneakers (yes) I’m sure it goes without saying to leave behind all logo’d tshirts and sweatshirts. I’d say leave sweatshirts behind and opt for a nice sweater or jacket.
Surely not Balenciaga, Balmain, Chanel? hahahaaa....
I agree with this list 100%
Fabulous videos Diane! You always put your heart into your videos. I love you nails if you ever have a chance to film a nail salon in France that would be wonderful! Thank you for being so thoughtful and making a trip to France a possibility in the future.
So glad you enjoyed it! Hair salons are way more common in France than nail salons (not like US where they're in every shopping plaza). Thank you for the idea and compliment. A Vietnamese friend does my nails. ;-)
@@OuiInFrance thank you for the response 👍 You are blessed with a very artist friend! My Vietnamese nail tech was very talented in Florida. I love the designs on your nails. Hair salons would be very interesting as well.
Yes, nail salons in France. I've had extremely good luck with manicures on 3 recent trips. It always takes lots of research. I choose yelp-rated salons close to my hotel or in the center of small towns. I once found a salon owned and run by a British lady. What a find!
Thank you Diane for these valuable tips. I made most of these mistakes on my first trip. After that experience of too large of a bag, bringing back clothes and shoes that didn't even get worn, I use just a carry on with matching ensembles. Buying some toiletries there made for nice souvenirs. When shopping for a suitcase, if I couldn't hold it over my head comfortably it was already too heavy to even think about buying. Spinning wheels are a must. Cheers!
On a side note…As a frequent traveler to Paris (and other areas but Paris has the highest standards), and while it’s true that comfort counts, how you dress and your manners when you first arrive can influence how you are treated if you’re staying at a hotel rather than a Airbnb. It’s a plus to look nicely put together when you arrive to check in. Sounds awful after an overnight flight? Just about half hour before landing, I change out of comfy sweats into a nice pair of trousers, a nice top, with a blazer or cute lightweight coat that will be my one piece of outerwear for the entire trip, a bit of makeup, nice ballerina flats and a nice scarf…French women love scarfs…just make sure you know how to wear it.!. I always wipe clean the outside of my luggage before a trip and if it coordinates, all the better. When you arrive, (even at a Five Star Palace hotel) and other Americans are tired and cranky and look a mess, you just stand out in a good way. By staying soft spoken, using a bit of basic French, and by looking as if I’ve made an effort, I almost always get an upgraded accommodation, and much sooner. I think they appreciate that you’ve made an effort. No matter what, be super polite. Making the effort is really worth it. And keeping your voice down helps 😊. If my spouse looks grungy or my kids, (I have them sit somewhere else 🤣)
I do that too - makes me feel so refreshed changing on the plane after a long flight into smarter clothes!
@@losingmychic What is the best way to change clothes in an airplane? The bathrooms are too small.
Merci mille fois pour cette commentaire. Just one question: how do you change clothes on the plane?!?
Yes, either buy electrical appliances like hair dryers after arrival or use appliances provided by the hotel. My experience with dual voltage electrical appliances has been that they aren't very good.
The under-trousers money belt I use is > not < visible.
As long as I don't have to cope with climate extremes or sports that require special clothing I can get by on two carry on bags for weeks. When I do need to check a bag I use a flight attendant size rolling bag.
Before I even watch the video, I'm going to guess that "uncomfortable shoes" is on the list. 😄
Ha, I knew it! 😄
Absolutely, made that mistake too many times so now I know better. Less is more!!! Hope you're well ;-)
@@OuiInFrance Ha, same, but only once! 😉 And thank you, I am very well! While you are in the U.S. I came back to France! Took advantage of the border opening to vaccinated Americans and arrived right on the 9th. And guess what - we are going to Angers in a couple of weeks! Hope you enjoy the rest of your time in the U.S. and have a safe and uneventful flight home!
Although stilettos are definitely not worth packing it’s important to bring along at least one pair of upgraded shoes. It’s always nice to have one pair of nicer shoes such as a pair of ballerina flats or chunky block heels. Just putting on a different pair of shoes can transform an outfit. I realized after over packing for years that only you know how many times you’ve worn the same outfit. However, whether or not you plan to eat at a Michelin restaurant, it never hurts to bring one versatile, classic dress (“lbd” for example) which can be the go-to upgrade for your entire trip.
that's such good thinking, thank you! :)
Thank you Diane!
You are so welcome!
This eas excellent. Thank you.
You're very welcome!
50 years ago, a friend had a horrible experience, A relative in England loved grenadine syrup, but couldn't find it for sale there. On her next trip to the UK, as a kindly gesture, my friend bought two bottles of grenadine and put them in her luggage before leaving Geneva. In the airport in London, she noticed people staring at her and at her suitcase, which was dripping a trail of sticky red liquid. It was only grenadine from a broken bottle, but that was not what it looked like.
Thankfully it's alot easier to buy now and can be ordered online.... that mush have been a sight though. 😳
Love the video.
Thank you!
Ladies, most of of your favourite brands of cosmetics + are French brands, easily available. You will certainly want to buy some clothes in France, leave some space for that must have.
To the middle aged man, pack polo shirts, cargo shorts & deck shoes for casual, the locals will think you are a boater type wearing the best he stowed. I live near the Atlantic coast & this is the norm.
Why would you want to spend any part of your holiday shopping for basics? You take your usual brands with 2 weeks supply left, and throw away what's left at the end.
Everyone likes doing different things I guess. Probably less wasteful to donate anything you don't want to bring back. Can't say I've ever thrown away clothes at the end of vacation though!
Thanks Russ, good tips. Very true, especially these days, that brands are globally available or you can discover some cool French ones. ;-)
@@gillchatfield3231 fair comment Gill, But in my experience gals love to shop.
@@gillchatfield3231 I find shopping in French pharmacies and at Yves Rocher to be fascinating. Diane has several videos about this. So, shopping for "basics" isn't wasting time - for me anyway.
You can get hair dryers that have a switch to select between 110v and 220v.
This did remind me of a guy from Chicago that I met in London in the 90’s. He had shipped his giant TV over to the UK not knowing that the plugs and voltage were different never mind the fact that his TV was NTSC and wouldn’t work even if he could sort out the power.
OK, Bonjour Diane! We enjoyed the video and especially agree about suitcases! Having had a fairly recent (well, pre-Covid) trip to Venice, big bags are definitely stupid.
But inquiring minds want to know: are you planning to take up old-time diving? We noted the dive helmet in your video...and have a great week!
Just a cool antique my parents have ;-)
All good one-bag techniques. Mix and match clothing, minimum number of shoes, travel size personal items. I'm over 60 and have traveled for 3 weeks in a 30L backpack, we don't need giant rolling bags.
I agree with you - my backpack FORCES me to pack lighter, since I have to pick it up to wear it - and I'm a weakling....
Thanks so much Diane! We are about to move to France, so this has given me some thoughts about what we will bring. Answer? Nothing! Just kidding - certainly will be leaving my hair dryer and shampoos behind, can get them in France! :)
I would say a money belt can be useful for storage of cash, cards, and spare change when traveling, though I wouldn't wear one like you said.
Thanks!
Merci! xx
In the UK, I've never had an issue with hair appliances in London hotels.
Great advice . . . from a seasoned traveler.
Thanks 👍
I've also made that mistake bringing a straightener. I plugged it in and it burned up about 2 seconds later. Mine didn't catch on fire, but I was so sad!
Ce sont d’excellents conseils Diane !
Gratitude to you..
You're most welcome
I always bring my own shampoo since I can’t find good shampoo for my type of hair which is mixed ethnic. I
My Lipault luggage is very lightweight.
After traveling with some friends on a couple of European trips, think ahead if you are renting a car. Americans are not accustomed to the smaller European cars and how much luggage we were bringing. On our first trip we couldn't fit it all in the car and ended up having to make two trips to the airport just to transport all of our luggage
stick shift too :)
Excellent tip! Picture 4 American women trying to get all the bags in the trunk of a car. We ended up having to put some in the car and fold ourselves around the luggage, it wasn't comfortable. After that, one small case is enough for me.
@@lauriecalery8801 Exactly, I have those extra large international suitcases but have not used them now that I realize I don’t need 70% of the things I was packing. If I forgot or needed something, it just gave me an excuse to shop
@@raymondbarry4196 I now use that huge case for storage...switching out summer & winter clothes. Lol The funniest part about my huge case is it is super lightweight. 🤣
@@lauriecalery8801 That is an excellent idea, I just gained a huge amount of storage space thanks to you
In Thanksgiving: ( USA 🇺🇸) : btw: thank you 🙏: again: thank you so
Is there a story behind the scuba helmet thing beside you?
Le casque de scaphandrier? Good question.. not scuba but professional diver helmet from before the use of bottles... nice item to have!
Stumbled onto this page and into a topic that has always perplexed me. I never travel to France for less than two months and have never packed anything more than a carry-on bag, even in winter. I'm pretty sure that around 90% of the global population is better at math than me, so I don't understand why packing-related math is so challenging to so many people. Just assume, for example, that I bring 4 pairs of pants, 8 shirts, 2 light jackets and 2 pairs of shoes. The number of possible combinations? 512. That's not enough for a vacation? Having lived a large part of my life in Europe, my observation has been that most Americans travel to Europe carrying more cloths around in suitcases than most Europeans have in their closets.
Really? So you're gonna wear those 8 shirts for 512 times? What about clothes getting dirty? There are so many things you didn't take into account with that calculation.
@@tabbycat5547 Ummm, I wash my cloths regularly. It's neither rocket science nor inconvenient. Every country I have ever visited has both water and soap.
@Tabby Cat laundry machines and sink laundry are a thing. Also, it's a first world country...they have clothes that aren't hundreds of euros for a shirt...if you really need something else to wear, it's able to be purchased.
Every time I travel to France I pack less and less and I'm always happy to have one light, easy to deal with carry-on bag. Based on the progression of packing less and less, in a few trips I'll be packing only 1 pair of underwear, 1 pair of socks and nothing else.
I'm female - but I aspire to pack like you! tfs
oh to be a man in this world!!!!!!!
One to wash. One to wear. It can be done ladies.
I'm going this year in August or September
Regarding your TravelPro spinner? It's the brand's "top of the line" Platinum Magna design from a few years back. I have several Platinum Magna bags and they're the best. Your relative who gifted you the set must love you a lot. And the color isn't "weird," just different. Also (I'm pretty much a luggage nerd), be aware that some luggage sold on Amazon is NOT the true brand. I've seen some TravelPro items that are definitely knock-offs there.
Hi Dianne, yes it's a great luggage line! My note about the color just to clarify was the video image color and not the suitcase. My camera didn't auto adjust the light back after I showed the suitcase. I love the color of the suitcase, that's def not weird! ;-) Thanks for watching!
Off topic: Things not available over the counter in France's pharmacies: baby aspirin (the pharmacist sold me powdered aspirin to dissolve in water instead for my "aspirin a day" ) Pseudoephedrine, any sort of Afrin-type nasal spray (steroid nasal sprays are available).
On flights to the US liquids are limited to 100 ml(about 4 oz) so a full-sized bottle would not be allowed.
Great tips! I wish I had this video before I traveled to Europe the first time!
I always have to remind myself that I'm not going to a third world country and that I can pretty much find everything I need in France.
I have a really nice shave kit with all the toiletries I use. The first time I was going to go to Europe, I used my shave kit for about two weeks before I left and I quickly learned what I needed and what I didn't. Pro-tip: Toothpaste... an almost empty tube will probably last you two weeks.
There's a meme going around: "I wear one pair of underwear a day... but when I travel, I plan as if I'm going to poop my pants five times a day." I am always surprised when I come home and realize that half the items I packed I never wore.
I bought a travel flat iron. It converts automatically.
For the "hair dryer" part, it's funny because it happened to me in the US ... but there was not enough power to make it work 🤣
If you buy hairdryer in UK will it work in France or Germany too?
I'd have to pack a diffuser to use on the hotel hair dryer. Curly girl here. 🤣 I definitely want to pack travel sizes of my favorite products. No way am I traveling anywhere without products. Curly hair needs refreshes!
I'm a curly girl too. But I cut my hair SUPER short. It's now wash and wear. So I don't even need a comb or brush. Just swipe a towel over it - and go. yay!
When travelling I just let my hair air dry and it really brings out the curl, and reduces damage.
I know this was a year ago, but I'll be in France for a month (one base location) in 2023. Is it easy to buy a small clothes steamer, not too expensive, at BHV or Monoprix? I hate irons, but love steamers and don't want to risk bringing a travel one that is dual voltage, but requires an adapter. Thanks!
I have a small one I got on Amazon and they have a pretty good selection. Enjoy your trip!
If I were to buy a curling iron when I arrive in Paris, what store do you recommend and how much do they cost there?
I bought my hair appliances at L’Cleric (sp?). These stores are all over France
Is that Travel Pro suitcase a carry on size? I brought a medium check in size suitcase on my last trip to Paris which was ideal. Brought back 5 designer handbags 😉
Hi there, the gray one I show is carry-on size (at least for US/France flights) yes.
I will be in Paris next spring. Are designer handbags less expensive there?
Three more things you might not want to pack for your trip to France. Wine, cheese, and bread! 😁😜
okay so i NEED a straightener in paris due to the hairstyle i got FOR the trip, so should i just buy one when i get there ? 😩 trust me, if i COULD go w out it, I would :(
yes i'd definitely recommend that you get one once there (or atleast buy one with a France plug ahead of time). Don't do what I did and try to use your US one with a converter and adapter. Have a great trip!
Fifth trip to France planned for Late November. First trip not in Spring of Fall. What should we be prepared for? Our target activity is Christmas markets. In France we will be in Paris, Strasbourg and small towns south of Strasbourg. (Also visiting Prague and Munich).
Depends where you're from - the cold can be a challenge for Australians for example as they never realise just how cold Europe can be. So - bring one big knee length jacket that will double as a pillow and blanket on the plane and keep you toasty warm whilst you browse the (freezing) christmas markets in those cities. Good travelling!
I meant to say 'padded' knee length jacket - must be padded or you'll freeze!
Forget béret, it screams tourist since most French people don’t wear them.
You betcha! 😆
Especially in Paris or the northern half of France. Some people, almost exclusively men, still wear it in the southwest of France.
are backpacks good idea to take to a trip to France?
Sure! People use backpacks of all kinds pretty often, both foreign and French tourists. If it's convenient and comfortable for you, definitely travel with a backpack. I love mine. ;-)
This is great! But hold up, hold up, hold the phone....can someone explain a bit more about the hair styling tools? I'm having my engagement photo shoot in Paris and so it's important to me that my hair is done. I don't want to waste previous trip time trying to purchase one, is there a straightener or curling iron that someone could suggest that I can buy online ahead of time that would be safe? Or any resources that may be able to tell me what to look for in one? ANY help here would be appreciated because, yeah, definitely not trying to burn down the hotel, but also have very strange hair and not trying to look like Nick Nolte's mugshot in my engagement photos...
update: my fiance's hair straightener is dual voltage (mine is strictly 110) so I think I'm going to be okay. Fingers crossed lol
Hi there, the voltage isn't always the issue, it's the hertz. So even if you use an adapter and converter with a US one that technically converts the voltage so you can plug it in in France, it can still fry your hair or catch on fire or smoke. If it doesn't come with the France prongs for a French outlet, I wouldn't risk it especially not on your engagement shoot day.
If it doesn't make sense to buy a French one for one special day, I'd consider having your hair done by a professional at a salon. They'll have all the tools you need. ;-)
What are salon prices like in France? No straight iron = crazy hair.
It depends if you're a man or a woman. It also depends what you want to do and in which hair salon you're going to so you'll have to chose once you're in France ^^
I'm from Paris and I never understand the comments - not to say obsession... - about cobblestones, LOL - *most* of Paris no longer has them. Granted, some of the older/most historic parts that tourists are likely to visit do have them, but it's not 100% cobblestones everywhere. In any case, for walking all day, wearing comfortable shoes is essential, of course, or you'll be miserable, regardless what the ground is like. Bon voyage, everyone :)
Definitely more common outside of Paris in smaller towns so flat shoes are best as you said, comfortable shoes are essential!
In Paris, it's not the cobblestones that will be a problem, ...it's the merde de chien on the sidewalks that will be the major nuisance.
@@warped2875 LOL, you definitely need to watch your step :)
I was at a small airport, waiting to pick up my husband. I was watching out the windows for his plane to land when I saw a pile of luggage on the tarmac near a plane. Then I saw a stray cat sniffing around the luggage pile and of course, it pee'd all over a big military green canvas bag! I felt so bad for whomever's stuff just got wet! Ewe! I NEVER use canvas suitcases/bags! I want enough plastic to keep my stuff dry!
Ahhhh oh no!!! I wonder where the cat came from?
So, are we not including #8, don't pack your deep sea diving helmet?
Can I bring a little bottle of olive oil from my church
My communion bread
And communion wine in little bottle
Is bible accepted in France..
Watching other “what to wear in Paris” has me really intimidated…. I am staying in Paris for three days before I set off on a month long Camino (walking trip). I will be living out of a back pack for 30+ days..
Please don't be intimidated! Nobody cares what you wear. Bon voyage :)
Don't worry about what to wear for only 3 days in Paris. Wear what you'll be wearing on the Camino and enjoy both parts of your trip. Have a great and fulfilling time.
@@diannewi thanks so much
@Sherry Duffenais Agree, don't worry about what to wear in Paris. I'd avoid wearing a matching track suit, screams tourist. Just keep an eye on your stuff at all times in Paris but most importantly, enjoy your time there. Wishing you a blessed journey.
@@lauriecalery8801 Great advice, thank you so much 😊