What to Pack


Clothing, film, toiletries and almost anything else you may need are widely available in France. Pack lightly and purchase non-essential items as you go.

Here is a more extensive list of items:

ESSENTIALS (carried on your person while traveling):

  • passport
  • credit cards with ATM function
  • travelers' checks
  • tickets
  • photocopies of above essentials, stored separately
  • cash

CLOTHING:

  • culturally appropriate clothing (think about restrictions at religious sites, discos, conservative regions, etc.)
  • comfortable walking shoes, already broken in
  • sandals and/or shoes to wear with nice outfit
  • one nice outfit (for going out or special occasion)
  • clothing (washable, little or no ironing, matches everything)
  • socks (white ones may "mark" you as American)
  • raincoat/rain poncho or waterproof windbreaker
  • heavy wool sweater/down vest
  • underwear
  • swim suit
  • pajamas (decent, as bathrooms may be down the hall)
  • sun hat

TOILETRIES:

  • glasses and contact lens equipment (consider disposable lenses, especially if you're going somewhere with poor water quality — like camping)
  • extra pair of glasses or contacts
  • cosmetics (if necessary)
  • soap and soap dish
  • toothpaste
  • toothbrush
  • small hand towel
  • deodorant
  • comb or brush
  • razors
  • shampoo/conditioner
  • pads/tampons
  • manicure items
  • small, unbreakable mirror
  • Kleenex
  • hair equipment
  • condoms

SUPPLIES FOR THE ROAD:

  • water bottle
  • safety pins
  • needle
  • thread
  • a few zip-lock plastic bags (for wet or leaking items)
  • Swiss army knife

ACCESSORIES:

  • A day pack or small bag to hold maps, a guidebook, a water bottle, etc.
  • A neck wallet or money belt
  • reading material for traveling
  • adapter/converter for voltage
  • Flashlight (small)
  • battery-operated alarm clock
  • camera/video camera
  • film (if using VCR — videotape formats are not universal, meaning the one you buy in France may not be compatible with a camera bought in the U.S.)
  • address book
  • journal
  • phrase book or dictionary
  • gifts
  • nylon shopping bag (in case you need more luggage space)
  • sunglasses
  • compact umbrella
  • combination locks for luggage
  • a few photos of family and friends

BASIC HEALTH ITEMS:

  • medication in original containers (to prove what it is)
  • copy of glasses or contact lens prescription
  • band aids and antibacterial cream (Neosporin)
  • aspirin
  • vitamins
  • sunscreen