By: Sharon Atchley Article March 2003
So, You're going to France?
This article is to give you some easy
insider information on planning your trip to France for either business,
school or vacation. Whether you are a first timer, or a seasoned
traveler, there are some useful hints and information that will help
make your trip an enjoyable one! Bon Voyage! [That means "have a good
trip" in French]
"This is my first trip to France. How can I
efficiently organize for the trip"?
First Things First: Do you have a current passport? Do you
need the French
government's requirement information on passports or visas, etc. or
in general for all countries] on traveling to France? If you do not have a
current passport, or need a visa, you can
click here for online forms to fill out and process, or get
the
information that you will need for your passport or visa [you will still
have to go to your local passport office to finalize the information].
US citizens must have a birth certificate, and a current passport size
photo of yourself.
Then, the most important things to do next are: select your
transportation and find
accommodations for your stay in France.
Booking these items In advance will also enable you to get the best possible rates for
both. We have several
self-booking options or contact
us for specific
Travel Arrangements.
Are you going by air, land or sea?
We have a complete transportation and facilities directory for you to
choose from. You will find direct links to all modes
of transportation, and can facilitate your reservations directly by
using the following links:
We whole heartedly recommend train travel while in France; it's
scenic,
relaxing and comfortable. Keep in mind, that for train travel in
France
[SNCF], you will need a reservation besides
a ticket. This information is not generally known, and you cannot
just buy a ticket and hop on the train. Travel lightly, because
you will be carrying your own bags. Porters are not readily
available to help you. I learned this the hard way many years ago,
trying to carry three cartons of brochures for a show that weighed 35
lbs each! It was miserable! Book
your train travel here!
However, several French people came to the rescue, so I didn't miss the
train. Trains are on schedule in France [unless they are on strike!].
French people
are very nice and willing to help you. But, don't be demanding, and learn
some basic
French phrases before
you leave, a little French goes a long way.
Book transportation for your trip as far in advance as you can
[several months
if possible]. Please remember, and I cannot emphasize this
enough, book all of your transportation needs before you leave home. This will save
you time and
money, and enable you to enjoy your trip to it's fullest.
Booking at the last minute in France
will be a hassle, it will cost you your valuable vacation time, and you
most likely
won't get the selections that you would like to have.
Driving in France;
If you are planning on driving while you're in France, get ready for
your first 'Grand
Prix' experience, because that's what it will feel like driving in
Paris. For people so laid back, their driving is pretty wild, and you'll need to be
prepared. Please be
sure and check our
driving information before
you
rent or lease
a vehicle in France. Another must is to look at the France Road Signs,
and highlight and print a copy to take with you. Some
road signs
are similar to ours in the US but meanings are altogether different.
More importantly, you need to know the basic driving rules for
France...the driver to the right has the right-of-way. You also
need to know your rights while you are a visitor there. If you
have a traffic accident, you can at least be prepared! If you
don't speak French, get an
International
Driver's License before leaving.
Now you need to find a place to stay: Whether it is in Paris or
Nice, there are many selections for you to choose
from. It may be the traditional hotel, a B&B
[called a 'gite' 'or maison d'hote' in French] or camping. How about
camping with the rich and famous? Yes, they have that in France.
The following links will give you great many selections to choose from
around France. Please remember to book your reservations ahead,
especially in Paris, the
hotels
and restaurants stay booked, since Paris is the number one travel destination
in the world. It is very easy to book with these accommodation
sites:
For more information on local hotels, check with the Region of your
choice [Centre, Île-de-France, Bretagne, etc.] click on the
Regions
of France. Then browse ' to
the 'Categorized Web Site' for the Region of your choice. Once
there, go to the 'L' [Lodging] section of that page to make a
selection. You can easily organize and book your transportation and
lodging if it is a simple round trip to a particular destination.
If you have special needs or requests beyond that, or do not have the
time, then you definitely should
contact us for your travel needs.
What to pack? Your trip is coming to fruition.
It doesn't matter what time of the
year it is, you should check the weather each day for a few days
prior to leaving
[to see the current and projected forecasts]. The best source is
Meteo
France, as you'll need to know
that in order to
determine what clothing you will need to take with you. Pack lightly! Lightly, as
I mentioned before, as you will most likely be carrying your luggage!
If you don't have
luggage with wheels and a pull handle, invest in some. It will be worth
it's weight
in gold. When you have to do all your luggage handling for long
distances, these
suitcases will save you time, and will eliminate sore arms, backs and exhaustion.
If this is a casual spring, summer or fall vacation, take jeans, khakis
and shorts,
and shirts/blouses. Ladies should pack a non wrinkle type dress. Men should
include a sports jacket. Mix and
match. You are
not going to see the same people day after day. Always carry a
sweater or
jacket and a small packable umbrella, you will need these
items.
Carry a pair
of sneakers/tennis shoes, a dress and casual pair of shoes [sandals]. For winter
travel take a heavy coat, gloves and scarves, the umbrella again and
layer your
clothing as you would at home. Try to pack as
lightly as you can.
If this is a convention or seminar, etc., then you will have to be more
conscious of
your needs. Mix and match, even for a business or dress look.
Lay your clothes out for your trip a day or two before you leave. This way, you can check
everything
over, make changes, then decide what items that you really don't need
and put
them back in the closet or drawers. If you going by plane or train, wear
clothing
that is comfortable because of tight seating arrangements.
On your flight, always take a carry on bag on board. Since luggage
gets lost, it is most
important to have
a change of clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste, hair comb/brush, 1/2 of
each of
your medications, with you.
The airline usually finds
it, but it will take several days to get it to you. Make sure all medicines are in their
prescription bottles or you could have a really big problem! If you are
traveling with someone,
divide your medications equally between you and do not pack them in the stowed
luggage. Airport security uses Drug Sniffing Dogs in France, so don't
mess
with your prescription drugs in unmarked containers.
Now for the important stuff. Most people forget those simple
little incidentals like
a toothbrush, toothpaste, a hair brush or comb, medications, etc. so
here is a
guideline.
Ladies & Men's Items: Medicines, toothbrush and paste, floss/picks,
hair
combs,
brushes, shampoos, hairspray, gels, etc. Don't put scissors, metal nail files, any sharp
metal object, metal pens/pencils, tweezers or anything sharp metal
objects, that might look
dangerous or ominous going through a security check, in your
carry-on, in your
briefcase, in your purse or in your pockets. They will be confiscated, and not
returned! And, take a money belt for passport, money and other
valuables [this is worn under pants, slacks or dresses, etc.]. Meds -
review what you can and cannot take with
you at
www.tsa.gov/ in your carry-on or purse.
One of the most important things to take with you is the power converter
adapter
[from 110 - 220 Volts] to use with any small electrical appliance
that you take.
Ladies items: Make-up items [also cleansers,
moisturizers, etc.], nail buffers
and paper nail files, polishes, etc. and feminine items, puffs/make-up
remover pads.
Buy small plastic bottles in the drugstore to store each of your items
in for the
duration of your trip. Don't take your whole
make-up collection
with you. Be sure and buy these articles in the Duty Free shops at
the airport before returning home. You'll save a considerable
amount of money.
Always carry small and large plastic bags with you [take
them out of the
box, and
store them loose] as you never know when you might need them. Also, wrap
each
bottle of nail polish or remover, liquid medicines, etc. in a baggie.
Should they get broken, they won't leak all over and ruin everything else in your bag. These
liquids have to be packed in your stowed luggage now, so make sure they
don't leak.
Men's items: Shaver/razor, shave cream/gel, etc. after shaves and
colognes
[put in the baggies]. Most shavers have dual voltage [but check to
make sure].
And, you are now ready to go fellas!
Other things to take with you [besides work] a book or magazine
to read,
a snack or two, a tissue pack, eye drops, possibly an allergy medication
[there
is a lot of pollution and it's a different environment], study some French
on you trip
there, and take about $100.00 in Euros for your arrival [don't
take travelers
checks - they can become a hassle].
After you arrive
in France, use bank ATMs. You get the best exchange rate and you can
find
most French
bank
ATMs here. Most ATMs don't accept American Express cards.
Travel point of departure: Again, plan ahead. Don't wait until the
last minute.
Find a friend to take you to your travel point of departure if possible.
Or, if you're
driving, plan enough time to park and get to the plane, train or
ship. Or, make arrangements ahead of time for a shuttle or taxi. Do the same thing
for
your return trip from France, before you leave home.
Last but not least: Do a last minute check to make sure you have
everything.
Your Passport [Visa or Other Documents]
Your
Airline [Ship or Train] Ticket
Your Secure purse or wallet [ladies put your purse in your carry on
tote]
Your Money belt or
secure pouch
Your Carry-on bag
information
Your Baggage
Your Power Converter
JOT these reminders down an a stick-um, and stick it on your bathroom
mirror! Don't laugh, it works.
You're ready to leave:
Now wasn't that easy?
Yes, but there is one more thing: You! When you go
through security take your shoes, watches & jewelry off [have them ready to put into a security
container], take any
loose change out of your purse, bag or pocket, any metal objects that you may have on
you, or your going to get checked thoroughly. Automatically remove
your shoes, it's pretty much mandatory, so don't wait, just do it.
This is also being considerate of everyone
around you as well, and to keep the line moving. Be prepared and Bon Voyage!
© Copyright 2003 - 2008 by Sharon Atchley, all rights reserved.
Should you be interested in making copies, or sending this article to
your clients, please contact:
Sharon Atchley
Contact Us
FYI - since 2001 please be sure to remember
that your personal care liquids, creams, gels, pastes must not be over a
4 oz container size. Buy small travel size items for your trips,
these now meet the
www.tsa.gov/ requirements
overall. But check with the TSA for specific requirements in the country
travel of your choice for any and all updates!
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