WHAT I AM TAKING TO FRANCE
I am over the moon excited to be going to my dream destination soon!
Every trip is different and what you take each trip will be different every trip.
If you will be lying around on a beach most of the time, you need more swimsuits.
If you will be hiking all over the place, you need hiking boots and socks, and a good backpack.
If you are going to someplace cold, you need to be wearing your heavy parka and boots on the plane.
But if you are like me and you are going to a summer outdoor wedding at the famous Ritz Hotel in Paris, plus some other fancy places, you’ll want to take some cute chic clothes with some jewelry and other accessories!
But that does not mean you have to take a large check-in type of suitcase. With careful planning and buying, you can still travel carry-on only!
20-inch carry-on suitcase
In my bag is: and YES IT ALL FITS!
On the right side (that closes with a zipper)
15 Clothing items :
2 dresses, 3 blousy tops, 4 bottoms (1 skirt, 1 culotte, 2 travel pants)
Rain poncho
Packing cube: 2 piece wedding outfit, 3 dressy scarves- I did not want to roll up these items – they are more delicate.
On the left side: that has a strap closure
Packing cube containing: bras and panties, 2 pjs, 2 tank tops, and a belt to go with a black knit dress, socks
Packing cube containing: black cardigan sweater, I will be wearing a tan one on the plane.
Hangagle bathroom bag: with items I will be using in the bathroom every day:
I traded the big one (on the left) for a much smaller one (on the right). Got it at Container Store.
I put items that I don’t need to have daily in the small zipped bag.
3 BOOM sticks (color, glimmer, glo), Eye makeup pencils and mascara, deodorant stick, teeth care stuff, sunscreen stick, eyeglass wipes, face soap bar, and washcloth
Baggalini travel purse – RFID protected – for walking around different towns with a tour group.
(I am packing it empty and will fill it up with items when I get there. I will be wearing a travel pouch around my neck and under my clothing for on the plane that will have money, cards, and passport, etc. I won’t be needing a purse on the plane.)
Small zipped bag: misc items: gum, mints, bra wallet, soaps, 4 clothes hangers, nose syringe and saline packets, wax earplugs
Small cross-body purse: for wedding and dressy occasions or for casual
LARGE PERSONAL ITEM (this is my secret weapon for being able to carry on everything!) This one is Floless brand and I belt it to the suitcase for easy one-handed unburdened moving.
All this is on the inside of my personal item!
I can’t believe how many items are going into this bag – but it will be able to fit under an airplane seat – believe me! It is squishable!
In this bag: no loose items – everything in easy-to-find bags!
One large ziplock with airplane necessities in it: eyemask, earbuds, kleenex, gum, pen, spork, 2 snack bars (Larabars), arm sling, and foot sling for travel comfort.
4 throw away footie socks – because I will be in 4 different TSA lines and I will be slipping off my shoes and I don’t like dirty airline floors! The clean socks will be underneath. I will be throwing away those old dirty socks!
1 black pair of slip-on sandals – to wear in a hotel room, when going to the pool, and when on the plane.
Liquid bag for TSA check: mascara, body lotion
Shopping bag in a bag
Zipped jewelry bag: earrings and necklaces – all inexpensive and nickel-free
Clip on book light and electrical adapter for France (type C)
2 small travel books: one Places to See, one phrasebook
Empty spray bottle for hair if it needs a light misting of water to curl it up
Charging cords
2 battery packs and charging cords
Travel documents and copies of important cards- all in a large ziplock bag
1 pair sunglasses
2 exercise balls – 1 tennis ball for any sore spots, one small hand one
And when I get seated on the plane I will put the collapsable hat I will be wearing in this bag, I will also put my collapsable bottle in here when I am going thru the TSA line, then take it out again to fill it up several times on my flight.
To me, hydration is more important than sleep on a long-haul flight.
I can also put my outer knit jacket and scarf I will be wearing in there if need be.
1 small paperback book I will buy at the airport to read on the plane – my travel treat!
In the side pocket: hand sanitizer wipes and stall wipes
I will be wearing on the plane:
Travel pants
Around the neck pouch (for cash, euros, passport, medical shot records, cards)
Black Tank top
Tan Sweater
Black Knit jacket
Compression socks for calves
Hat
Slip-on sneakers
Socks – 2 pairs for each TSA check in one to throw away and one stays.
One cheap wedding travel ring and one cheap windable watch set for the destination time
I have checked and double-checked and keep adding small items to my packing list, (things like a safety pen and a writing pen), but I am pretty much ready for my big trip!
I still feel like I am taking too much, and I still have room in my suitcase for a couple more clothing items, but I need to realize that at some point I am calling this “finished” and just go with what I have and enjoy my time in France!
I highly recommend reading the book THE CURE FOR JET LAG by Scanlon and Ehret for great tips on avoiding jet lag on a long-haul flight!
I also recommend watching Rick Steve’s videos on Youtube on traveling light and what to see and do at exciting destinations!
I let you know how everything went when I get back!
I would love to hear your travel tips and experiences! Leave me a comment!
Au Revoir!
You really did a great job with the clothes you picked. Very fashionable! Enjoyed your video.
Hey Aune, Thank you! I really appreciate your input. Sometimes putting a blog out there and getting no response is a lonely thing. I wore everything I packed. I managed to get it all into a 20-inch carry-on and avoid checking luggage. It took some planning, but it was well worth it. I so enjoyed France!