Since, eight of the 11 of you have responded to the poll, so I know you're out there.
In the next few days Teri is going to add a post for the ladies on her thoughts on what to wear and what to pack based on conversations she's had with several of you. I thought I'd beat her to the punch and start with a few thoughts of my own.
First of all, don't worry about us blending in--we won't. A group of eleven Americans will stick out like sore thumbs wherever we go. Even when we break off and go in smaller groups the French will know that we're not "locals" right away.
French people, especially French women, are born with an innate fashion sense that eludes most Americans. But even if we can't capture that "look", they do appreciate any effort when we try to look something more than slovenly. You'll find that the same ethic will hold true when you make your sad little attempts to speak French to the natives.
On this particular trip, I'm sure we'll be casual most of the time, but there will be times, particularly in the evenings when we'll want to be a little snazzier than normal. I have a feeling that we may eat at one or two fancy schmancy restaurants on the trip. That means that the guys should probably bring a jacket and tie for those few occasions. The rest of the time, I'm sure we'll be casual. I'll leave it to Teri to advise the ladies.
As far as packing goes. Here are my tips based on many years of both business and leisure travel.
Next time: Are the French rude?
In the next few days Teri is going to add a post for the ladies on her thoughts on what to wear and what to pack based on conversations she's had with several of you. I thought I'd beat her to the punch and start with a few thoughts of my own.
First of all, don't worry about us blending in--we won't. A group of eleven Americans will stick out like sore thumbs wherever we go. Even when we break off and go in smaller groups the French will know that we're not "locals" right away.
French people, especially French women, are born with an innate fashion sense that eludes most Americans. But even if we can't capture that "look", they do appreciate any effort when we try to look something more than slovenly. You'll find that the same ethic will hold true when you make your sad little attempts to speak French to the natives.
On this particular trip, I'm sure we'll be casual most of the time, but there will be times, particularly in the evenings when we'll want to be a little snazzier than normal. I have a feeling that we may eat at one or two fancy schmancy restaurants on the trip. That means that the guys should probably bring a jacket and tie for those few occasions. The rest of the time, I'm sure we'll be casual. I'll leave it to Teri to advise the ladies.
As far as packing goes. Here are my tips based on many years of both business and leisure travel.
- This isn't my original thought, but it really rings true. Bring twice as much money and half as many clothes as you were planning on and you'll be fine. Even if you run out of clothes, I promise that there will be a laundromat somewhere along the way. There always is. Be brave and pack light.
- Remember that if you can get it here, you can find the equivalent item there. One time Teri and I were in Italy for several days without our luggage (thank you Delta) and we survived just fine after a quick trip to an Italian department store and drug store. I have to admi that little ordeal was harder on Teri than on me.
- I also learned the hard way on that trip to Italy that it makes a whole lot of sense to carry on a change of comfortable clothes (or at least a fresh change of socks and underwear) and the bare minimum "necessities" to keep you happy while you wait for your lost luggage to appear.
- Leave room in your suitcase or bring an empty suitcase since you're likely to bring back more than you left with. Rule 2 also applies in this case. Teri and I have bought suitcases twice on trips to cart home our treasures.
- Make a packing checklist. I do this every time. I have one that I use over and over and adapt for the type of trip I'm taking (Vietnam for two weeks, Spain for one week, whatever). If you want a copy of my checklist, let me know and I'll share it with you.
- Check the weather. The 10 day forecast for Paris shows highs in the mid-to-upper 70s and lows in the 50s with a 60% chance of rain on three of those days. When we get to June 10th (exactly a year out), I'll check again. A lightweight anorak is one of the best things you can pack. Teri and I bought anoraks at Old Navy for just a few bucks at least 10 years ago and they have served us well many, many times. I always say that there's no such thing as bad weather, only unprepared tourists. It has been my experience that if feels cooler in France than at home, so pack accordingly. You may even want to pack a light sweater for the evenings on deck.
- I always photocopy the front and back of our credit cards (the back has the emergency phone number to call) and the front page of our passports "just in case" and we keep it somewhere separate from where we keep the passports and credit cards. We've never had to use this, but if your passport is lost or stolen, having a photocopy will make it much easier to get a replacement from the American embassy.
- Since there's going to be 11 of us, there's no point in everyone bringing the exact same travel guides--we can share. I'm sure Steve and I will be bringing the Frommer's guide (our company publishes that one, so we get it for free). I also highly recommend Rick Steve's guides and the D&K guides (they're the beautiful visual ones). Let's talk about who is bringing which guides.
Next time: Are the French rude?
2 comments:
Okay guys (as in men)--I know you are thinking that a discussion about what to pack is a bit premature. However Kathy, Colleen and I were shopping this weekend and it's never to early to start acquiring just the right outfit. Right girls!
So, let me get my thoughts together and I will post a column answering the question of how in the world I pack for two weeks abroad in one tiny suitcase. Hank's comments are right on, but he doesn't have the issue of looking adorable! It's hard work!!!! I'll give you my top tips.
In response to my latest post, one of our faithful readers asked me what's an anorak?
Well, an anorak is one of those little very lightweight ponchos that fold into a very small bag that's about the size of a paperback novel. One step above the plastic wrap $1 ponchos and much more compact than the heavy military type ponchos that a guy would wear on a hunting trip.
They last forever and I think you can usually buy them for around $10or less.
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