With less than three months to go, it's time to start thinking about packing for the big trip. So I'm going to give my highly opinionated list of things that I believe should consider taking with you (and I'll also suggest a few things best left at home). Please feel free to pass on your must-have items for inclusion in the list.
My overall rule for packing is to try to keep it as light as possible, although I don't always succeed at this. When planning what to bring with you, try to keep in mind that people have been living in France for thousands of years and everything necessary to sustain life is available over there. So if you forget something, or regret not packing something, don't fret. You can very likely buy whatever you need over there too.
I do suggest that you carry on a change of undies and socks and the minimum number of personal items (cosmetics and sundries) necessary for a day or two should your luggage not arrive with you in France.
Today's entry is that all-purpose tool, the Swiss Army knife. You never know when or why you're going to need it, but you definitely will somewhere along the line to repair small electronics, open up a bottle of wine, cut a piece of cheese or bread, perform minor surgery or who knows what else.
The thing to remember about this item is that it needs to go into your checked suitcase and not your carry on bag or you're likely to donate it to the TSA. I've lost several knives over the years when I've forgotten they were in my carry on and they got confiscated in the interest of public safety.
7 comments:
I have the general first aid kit already, but people need to bring their own particular medications and their favorite hungover/ate too much rich food remedies. Do bring your swiss knife, I'll have alcohol and a flame for sterilization in case of surgical emergency!!
I did find a small waterproof ipod player for deck side by the hot tub, so load them up!!
It's going to be great having two licensed medical professionals along with us in case we need treatment and/or a scolding.
One nice thing about France (and most of the rest of the world actually) is that pharmacists can give you many of what are prescription drugs over here after a consult and without a doctor getting involved.
I'm pretty sure that just about all French pharmacists speak English better than we speak French.
We will be well cared for from my end. I have plenty of bandaids for biking injuries too!!
About bringing a change of undies and basic survival items in carry on luggage--I did that for our first seven trips to Europe. Then on trip number eight, I got cocky--our luggage never got lost and it was just a lot of extra weight to tote. Well you guessed it. On that trip we lost our luggage for the first few days of the trip. Without going into the sad details--just trust me...You want the bare necessities!
Bare necessities.....check!!!!
I always keep the things I can't stand to lose in my backpack when traveling.
Colleen,
Do you have any lomotil? I seem to need that whenever I leave the country.
I've started my Berlitz course in French.
Suivez la route...Jen
Jen,
Bring yours....I don't have any! And whatever else you know works for you!!!
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