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.   

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.

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. 

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.
                   
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 a travel agency for your travel needs.  We have a list of travel agents and major travel guides for you to select from.       

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 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 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 - 2006 by Sharon Atchley, all rights reserved.  Should you be interested in making copies, or sending this article to your clients, please contact:

Sharon Atchley
sharon@french-at-a-touch.com