Clothing and miscellaneous

Depending on the season and area visited certain articles of clothing become necessary.

February/March: 

Bring your warm wool clothing: sweaters, sweatshirts, heavy pants, heavy socks, warm jacket and rain gear.  Slip an umbrella in your suitcase, you’ll be glad you did.  Comfy walking shoes are needed.

One semi-dressy outfit to wear at the fashion show, the rest can be casual.

April/May: 

“En avril ne te decouvre pas d’un fil” says the old French proverb.  In April don’t take a single thread off.  Since the weather is so changeable be prepared for sweater weather, sturdy wind breaker and don’t forget your umbrella. Comfy walking shoes are needed. Slip in a couple of light-weight tops in case we get early summer weather. Tuck in one semi-dressy outfit to wear at the fashion show.

June/July: 

Since we usually visit three very different areas, you will need anything from sweatshirt, rain gear, to bathing suit. Shorts aren’t worn much by ladies in France in the summer, but it is common for gentlemen to wear shorts and polo shirts.  Ladies, pack your light cotton and linen dresses, they will be cool and comfy even under the hot Mediterranean sun.

Please tuck some comfortable shoes in your bags.  A summer hat is encouraged, you can always find one to your liking at the open markets. Please bring one semi-dressy outfit to wear at the fashion show. 

Other items:

• One medium to large suitcase on wheels.

• One carry-on bag. (daypack)

• One purse.

In your purse/daypack: 

• Passport (tuck a photocopy in your suitcase)

•  Traveler’s checks (copy of serial numbers in your suitcase)

• Credit cards (tuck a list in your suitcase with phone numbers
         to call in case they’re lost).

• Money belt (a flat one that fits around your waist).

• Medication.

• Personal toiletries items.

• Very light weight rain poncho.

• Camera with plenty of film. It’s cheaper in the US.

• Ear plugs, if you snore your bunk mates on our night train 
         travels will appreciate the extra pairs you brought along.

• A small calculator for currency exchanges. (However in 2002,
         you won’t need it, the Euro and the US dollar are pretty even
         up as far as exchange is concerned).

• A journal to record your experiences and keep your 
        memories fresh.

• Moist towelettes.

• Small bags of kleenex, they can double up as TP very nicely
        (besides, French TP doesn’t feel like Charmin…)

• Shout towelettes to wipe up spills.

• Sunscreen.

• Band-aids if you don’t wear comfy shoes.

• Needle and thread.  Safety pins.

Miscellaneous in your suitcase:

 An electrical converter especially if you’re bringing curling iron, electric shavers etc… The current is 220 whereas it is 110 here.  Be prepared, you don’t want to burn your curling iron, or pop the circuit breakers of the hotel.

• Wash cloths because they’re not provided in French hotels.

• One beach towel…for the beach if the Mediterranean is on
         the itinerary.

VOILA!  You’re just about packed.  Always bring plenty of underwear… Don’t over pack, you’ll want to save room to bring back a few things from your market expeditions…If you enjoy shopping, maybe you’d like to tuck in the bottom of your suitcase, a light-weight nylon bag that you can use to pack your souvenirs…