Here are me best recommendations for what NOT to leave behind if you are visiting or moving to France:
1. A Coin Purse
Get yourself a coin purse with a zipper, guys: you too. Most of French money is in coin not bills and it gets heavy. Often cashiers will seem annoyed to have to break a bill or they will ask you for the exact change. Ignore their snark and hand them a coin, even if it's not exact, and they will appreciate it.
2. A Scarf
Not a winter scarf. Shoot for a lightweight but warm Pashmina style. Men often wear what look like dishtowels to me but are called Arab Desert Shemaghs and they are unisex. Weather can be unpredictable and you never know when you'll want something in wrap up in, sit on or even wipe your hands on.
3. Collapsible Umbrella
Again, the weather can be unpredictable and rain is common even in winter. I have seem many a person in Paris using an umbrella for sun and light snow flurries as well. It's perfect if you're lounging in a public park and need shade, want some privacy (public urination anyone?) or want to stay dry.
4. Comfortable Walking Shoes
You will walk a lot! Flats are better for walking on cobble stones. ballet flats and Converse style shoes are great if they are comfortable for you and they fit right into the style here. Avoid tourist give-aways, unless you don't care what others think, and leave your bulky sport tennis shoes, hiking boots, and Doc Martens at home. Need more support? Invest in a set of gel or foam inserts. It will help for cold as well. Don't spend too much, you're bound to step in a doggie bomb soon enough. They are everywhere.
5. Something Yummy to Smell
The metro (subway) is gross on it's best days. The smell of sweat and urine are a give in for any trip. And for some reason, I could taste the oily smell every time i rode up the escalator from the metro. (Though this must be a genetic thing. One of my friends and I gagged each time but my other Friend though we were crazy and couldn't smell or taste anything!) You'll want something nice to smell. Pack a small TSA approved bottle of yummy smelling hand lotion, a scented inhaler or even smelling salts to have handy when needed. Your trip will be much more pleasant.
6. A Cross Body Purse or Bag
Hooray! The dreaded "fanny packs" are back in style and are perfect for securing personal items. Wear they slung over your head and one shoulder and have it rest on your front. You can also wear it on your back or under your arm Under your jacket. Perfect for your phone, coin purse and sunglasses. A purse with a long strap worn this way works too. Keep it close to your body and a flap over the zipper is great. Petty theft is fairly big in the Paris region. I saw hats being grabbed off heads as people exited the metro cars (if you have a hat, don't sit by the doors), pick-pocketing and phones grabbed from people's hands. Don't want to make you nervous, I felt generally safe there even alone. Just be smart and keep your belongings close. Don't be an easy target.
7. An Unlocked phone or iPhone
If you want to use your phone there you'll need an unlocked phone and a new sim card. If you're not staying long and are staying in a place with wifi, just bring your iPhone. You can google chat with the US for free on the wifi network and that is as good as calling for friends and family back home. You can also use most of your regular apps in France with wifi including Netflix (though the video options will be a bit different. It's cool!). Perfect camera as well.
8. Highly Visable Ear Buds or Headphones.
Get our those white ear buds with a cord or a big pair of headphones (don't sit by the metro doors). Not only will they provide you music and such when you are out and about, but they are perfect for ignoring people on the metro and brushing past aggressive peddlers at tourist attractions. (Ahhh, my introvert is showing. If you like talking to strangers, you can skip this.)
9. Your Favorite Hair Conditioner
Conditioner are not common. There will be plenty of shampoo choices but if you're picky about your hair, bring your own TSA friendly size shampoo.
10. Your Favorite Home Town Treats
Eating our each meal with unexpected menus is exhausting. I was so hungry ne day and ordered vegetable soup expecting a hearty brothy soup. I was bummed when my entire meal ended up being a small bowl of pureed orange. Bring some cliff bars, hard candies or a jar of peanut butter (not common here but find able) if you want to make sure to always have cheap food you will like. Also helps a lot with home sickness.
11. A Reusable Straw
Straws are not given freely here. I once got a McDonald's soda served to me in a small cup with two ice cubes and no lid or straw. Totally normal here. Bring a straw for your own comfort and sanitation of you wish. Maybe bring two, I have left mine behind more than once.
12. A Tiny Phrase Book
You'll probably need this but don't want to stand out holding a giant phrase book. This will fit n your purse/bag and be available when you need it in your home language. Get failiar with it before you go for easy use.
13. Something in English
You will get tired of French. Especially if you are still learning. Bring a book, magazine, video or audiobook (downloaded to phone for non wifi moments) for those moments when your brain needs a break or if you have trouble falling asleep.
14. International Charger or Adapter
Easy tiny purchase that will be a lifesaver. Unless you're planning on being in France a long time. An adapter plug will be perfect, is fairly cheap and can be used for all your devices.
Travelers, did I miss anything? Any must-haves you couldn't live without? Drop a comment below.
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