So we're down to just about 30 days out, and as we get closer to your departure date, many guests start to worry about forgetting things that they may want to do, or bring with them to France...
It's usually at this point that expectations start bubblin' with anticipation! And as you get closer to your departure, we strongly suggest you dedicate a basket and start putting things in it that you don't want to forget... We've tried to put together this comprehensive checklist, but theres no doubt, we missed things... and by all means, don't feel like you have to bring all of these things... just bring what you want to...
There will be stores to buy things, and in fact, that's fun... but remember, it does eat up your valuable time... the most important things you need are your Passports, International Drivers License, credit cards, Euros / access to cash (we suggest atm/debit card)... and ultimately with just those things, you'll likely get by just fine... most everything else we mention here is just for your safety, comfort and convenience...
So here's our attempt at a checklist:- Passports (we suggest you also take a photo of this and email it to yourself)
- stop your mail and newspaper delivery / turn off water / adjust thermostat/water heater
- leave/email a copy of itinerary with hotel addresses, phone #'s, etc with family or friends
- pack a personal copy for yourself
- tape a 3rd copy prominently visible inside your suitcases in case it gets lost (put your cell phone # and hotel phone #'s on it)
- AirTags or Bluetooth Trackers: Adding an AirTag or SmartTag inside the suitcase allows for independent tracking if the airline temporarily misplaces a bag.
- check expiration dates on credit cards, atm cards, passports, driver lic, etc (France requires your passport to be valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond your intended return date)
- inform your bank of your travel dates and adjust your atm daily withdrawal rate
- inform your credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations
- double check your credit limit on credit cards you intend to use...
- bring "international" contact phone numbers for credit and debit cards along with you
- take phone pics of any credit or debit card u r bringing along
- International Drivers License (rental car company will not give you a car without lic)
- medical insurance cards
- bring along your travel docs, flight receipts, frequent flyer #'s, etc
- bring copy of your travel insurance policy and contact #'s
- plan on bringing a little US emergency cash
- consider using a money belt or neck wallet
- consider purchasing international cell phone plans
- Portable Power Bank: a slim external battery pack (power bank) in a daypack is a lifesaver when a phone is being used all day for photos, navigation, and translating.
- consider a road map (we suggest Michelins)We suggest Michelin Provence Map #527 available here : Amazon
- bring any guidebooks you want (freq traveller hack: just rip out pages needed and staple)
- don't forget to bring any prescription medications you may need/in original bottle
- Prescription Cross-Check: For prescription medications, it's sometimes helpful to note down the generic chemical name of the drug, not just the US brand name, just in case an emergency refill is ever needed at a European pharmacy.
- other pharma: sleep aid, ibuprofen, band-aids, vitamins, anti-diarrehal, Metamucil kleenex, Qtips, sunscreen, extra contact lens, extra glasses, sunglasses, hat, etc
- ear plugs / sleeping mask / travel blanket / tiny flashlight
- hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes for the airplane
- Compression Socks: For the long-haul flight, these are a game-changer for circulation and keeping legs feeling fresh upon landing
- phrase book or translator app
- travel umbrella and/or rain jacket/hat (yes, it rains in France too)
- your new Adventures To Provence water thermos
- luggage locks (needs to be TSA approved)
- tide pen/wine stain remover
- wall and & car chargers for cell phone
- camera/charger/travel binocs
- European electric plug adapters (you probably want two)
- safety pins / ziplock bags / sew kit
- swimming suit
- corkscrew (must be in checked luggage)
- shoes you can truly walk in
- notepad, journal, pen (great journaling apps in the app store)
- nailclipper / tweezer / hairbrush / razor
- lay out all your clothes you want to bring...
- only bring half of them... traveler's rule of thumb is two tops to every one bottom
- your rental car voucher (they won't give you the car without voucher)
- set up "out of office auto-email response"
- have a list of spouses/friends cell #'s, email addresses, hotel, villa addresses, phone #'s, flight #'s, etc... (know where you are, where ur going, and how to get back)
- leave expensive jewelry / watches / purses at home (they only mark you as a target)
- consider bringing empty tote bag (to meet carry on restrictions)
- ziplock bags for carryon liquids / wet swim suits
- GPS (if you're planning on bringing your own, check that it has euro-maps) many folks now use cell phone map apps
- Download Offline Maps: download the Google Maps or Apple Maps area for your destinations before leaving home. If you hit a dead zone in the countryside, GPS still works perfectly on downloaded offline maps.
- PDFs on the Phone: saving PDFs of the rental car voucher, travel insurance, and lodging confirmations directly to a phone's "Files" app ensures they can be accessed even with zero cell service.
- The "Chip and PIN" Reminder: For European toll booths, gas pumps, and ticket kiosks, cards often require a 4-digit PIN. It's worth knowing your credit card PINs (not just debit), as automated machines sometimes reject "signature-only" cards
- Download "WhatsApp" from the App Store - (this is how we'll all stay in touch in Provence)
- Bring some "White" clothes for our Soirée Blanche!
PS: it's never too late to learn a few words of French! Many of our guests ask us: "Do they speak English?" The answer to that is: no, they speak French! So, there are French people who can speak English... And certainly in the more forward facing hospitality & retail businesses you'll find more folks who speak some English... But for the most part, the people in France, speak French... Click on the Duolingo logo in the right sidebar... It's free, it's effective, and we guarantee you will have a better experience if you learn 100 words of French!
As always, we're here to answer any questions that you may have, or to help you in any way that we can...Just reach out! Don't get anxious about your travels, you're going to have a truly great experience!
(ps: We're using a new "shipping platform" & we've shipped you a box with your Tour Vouchers, luggage tags, etc... Do us a favor, when you receive it, just drop us a quick email with the subject line "Got it". (Thanks)
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