The Survival Guide to France. Part Two: Packing Your Bags

Speaking from personal experience, never pack at the last minute. You can't take too much time planning your wardrobe. Everything in France is uphill. I realize that there has to be some downhill, but when you're carrying luggage, the uphill is more memorable. Judith Gilford's The Packing Book: Secrets of the Carry-On Traveler should be required reading for people like me who think "more is better."

Staying in French homes taught me that the French do not have extensive wardrobes. They will wear the same skirts with different blouses and scarfs two or three times in a week. Wear everything before you go. You must however, pack for the region of France you are visiting. In the south, Cote d'Azur/Provence, Herault and Dordogne you may need lighter close than in say, Normandy and Brittany, where the evenings can be cooler. Meteo Consult is a great resource for weather in France. Just tap in the post code or town for a forcast. Comfort is a big consideration. Never "break-in" shoes on the road. French women wear high heels a lot. Take a pair if you must, but plan on wearing them only when you dine. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than sore feet, and cobblestones are rough on the feet.

Zip-lock bags were made for travelers; take several. Put dirty clothes, (especially socks) in them. Toilet articles that might spill go in them. In a pinch you can even use them to wash in: add laundry detergent and water and squish the bag around, then rinse and hang. Take a towel, bigger than a hand towel, but not large. Most hotels have one small one. When doing laundry, squeeze out extra moisture from clothing by wrapping laundry in the towel and twisting. Clothing dries faster. Take a laundry line and plastic clothes pins. Any electrical appliances from the states will require an adapter. Take extra contacts and glasses (very expensive in France), and if you're fussy about feminine hygiene products bring your own. Small packets of kleenex come in handy in a variety of situations.

Companies like Travelsmith offer a variety of lightweight clothing and other travel conveniences. Their clothing is restricted to average sizes, but they have a lot of useful travel items, and they have on-line travel advice.

When you have everything packed, park at the far end of the mall parking lot, carry your luggage in and up at least two flights of stairs. Sit down and rethink how much you really need. Then repack and have a good time!
Article courtesy of Constance Montague