We leave for France in 24 hours. More specifically, we’ll be heading to Paris, Provence, and the Riviera. My close friends and family know I’ve been planning this trip for years! Every morning when I wake Reese up, she tells me how many days are left. This morning she was downstairs and yelled up “Mom!” When I answered “What?”, she said “You go to France tomorrow!!” She is the sweetest soul and genuinely couldn’t be more excited for me.
I love packing. It makes my list-making, ultra-organized, neurotic, travel-loving self very happy! As a trip approaches, I mentally start planning outfits and eventually begin writing them down. While I’ve successfully packed carry-ons for my entire family for a week in Mexico, I AM planning to check luggage. I still want to pack as little as possible for the eleven days we’ll be gone, but the goal is to have plenty of space to bring back any travel treasures! Always check the projected temperature a few days prior to leaving to make sure you’re prepared for the highs and lows and the possibility of rain. Temperatures while we’re there are projected to range from 57-80 degrees in Paris while Provence and the French Riviera will have highs of 90 and 80. Obviously packing for France will look different depending on time of year, but here’s what I’m taking a trip in July!
Personal Item/Carry-On:
My luggage has been lost by an airline before, so I like to be prepared with all of the essentials in my carry-on, especially when I don’t have a direct flight! Here is a great list that you can pull up to check things you’re unsure of. Luckily, things like lip balm, medications, and solid deodorants don’t count towards your quart-sized bag of 3.4oz liquids! But be sure to declare any liquid medications (I use liquid melatonin and eyedrops/nasal spray for allergies) to the TSA agent if it’s not in your quart-sized bag. Liquid makeup like mascara, eyeliner, and concealer need to go in your quart-sized bag that is taken out and put in a separate bin for screening. But you’re good to go with brow pencils and lipstick!
- crossbody with wallet (license & insurance for rental car)
- passport (will keep in safe upon arrival), copy of front page of passport, and travel confirmation documents
- prescription & OTC medications (nasal spray & eyedrops for allergies, Airborne, melatonin, Excedrin, Tums, & band-aids)
- jewelry bag
- travel umbrella
- makeup bag with tinted lip balm, brow pencil, lipstick, tweezers, hair accessories
- 1 quart-sized “liquids” bag (following 3-1-1 guidelines): face moisturizer w/ spf, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, face wash, toothpaste, Tide stick, CC cream & mascara)
- tech: phone & watch chargers, headphones, power adapters & portable charger
- fleece blanket, neck pillow, & fuzzy socks
- sunglasses, sleep mask, disposable masks, mints, travel packs of antibacterial wipes & tissues
- books & podcast episodes downloaded for offline listening
I have to thank Corey Nussbaum, my travel advisor turned friend, for the suggestions for my carry-on that I hadn’t thought of: fuzzy socks (for sleeping), hand lotion (because the air gets so dry), my own lightweight fleece blanket (instead of relying on the airline for this), a sleep mask, and lavender spray to help calm and relax. She also told me about the Timeshifter app to help my body recover quickly from jet lag. It has already started getting me ready for the coming days. I will definitely report back on it! Basically, Corey’s the real MVP of the trip.
Clothing:
I packed lots of neutrals and muted warm colors that coordinate and can be layered since the temperatures can range quite a bit from morning to night. Black is always chic! Dresses are so easy when it’s warm. They can be dressed up or down and take up little space, so they will make up the majority of my clothing! One other thing: I am a fan of packing cubes. Everything stays organized despite your bags getting tossed on and off flights, I can fit more in my luggage, and I love that clothes come out less wrinkled! If you know me well, you know that I’ve already checked to make sure that each place has an iron!
- dresses
- tops
- 2 pair of jeans
- cardigan
- undergarments, pjs, and slip shorts for under short dresses
Shoes:
If I can recommend anything, it’s breaking in your shoes prior to packing them for a trip!
- comfy sandals (black & brown)
- comfy non-athletic sneakers
- espadrilles
Accessories:
- swimsuit & coverup
- fanny pack
- hat
- jacket
- dual voltage flat iron
- toiletry bag: toothbrush, deodorant, razor, lotion, sunscreen, shampoo & conditioner, body wash, nail file & clipper
Other:
Nothing screams tourist like opening up a big paper map because you don’t have good service.
- phone loaded with Google Maps and Translate offline
- wine protector travel bags
Update: The wine bags worked like a charm! See post links to all three legs of our trip below. Au revoir!
If France interests you, I was a podcast guest on Join Us In France and hope you’ll give it a listen on your next commute or laundry day! You can follow the link below, or use a podcast app on your device: just search for the “Join Us In France” podcast. https://joinusinfrance.com/episode/anniversary-in-paris-and-provence/
Read my Paris City Guide here!
Find our Provence Road Trip details here!
And find our French Riviera Road Trip details here!
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