Tiny Travel Tips, Based on My Trip to Paris

Bonjour! I got into Bonita Springs Tuesday last night after an 18-hour travel day, and I woke up at 2 a.m. this morning with some seriously displaced zingy energy. Come afternoon, I’m woozy and jet lagged, yet the do’s and don’ts from my trip are still very top of mind. I’m going to do a quick share right now—before I get distracted or forget. Most of these suggestions are little tweaks, but they really will enhance your trip.

Of course I packed in a carry on bag, and for an 11 day trip (we went to Cork, Ireland to visit family first) it was quite a challenge. I learned a LOT from that experience, but I’m going to cover that perpetually fascinating subject in another post soon. (Update, that story can be found right here.)

---

Tech Tips

• Make sure you have right cords and adapters for ALL your devices and destinations. I blew this one. I felt smart packing my Irish flat iron, but it was no use to me in France because I didn’t have an Irish-French adaptor (same voltage, different prongs). Also, I forgot to bring my new Kindle’s very specific charger, but luckily Liam had one. I keep all my cords in a little zipped bag so I know where to find them.
• Bring a portable charger for your phone. When you’re out all day using navigation apps and taking videos, your phone is gonna run out of juice fast. Tuck a fully charged portable charger (and appropriate cord!) into your bag and you won’t panic when your battery runs low.
• Instead of relying on step-by-step, real time walking directions, take screen shots of your route and use the photo as a map. It saves phone battery and is a great way to get your bearings and learn street names, which puts you more in touch with the city you’re visiting.
• If you a pass a cute shop or cool restaurant, take a quick pic of it so you can look it up later and return if you want.
• Take a pic of your passport too, so you have all the info if you choose to keep your passport in the hotel room safe.
• Pack a compact tripod, so you don’t have to take selfies all the time. I got mine on Amazon and it fits in my purse.

---

Touring Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes! (I feel like this could be the title of my entire blog.) If your feet hurt, you’re either sidelined or miserable and that’s a waste of precious time. Paris is the most stylish city in the world and everyone I saw was wearing sneakers or boots, at least during the day. You need happy feet to be able to walk, climb, and investigate the city to your heart’s content. My other rule is “no new shoes” but I broke that one and swapped out my booties for these brand new Gentle Souls sneakers at the last minute. They have been great from the start. I walked 10 miles in them Sunday.
• Buy museum and attraction tickets online ahead of time. In Paris, you reserve a ticket for a specific entrance time, and they often sell out. You still may have to wait in line to enter, but you’ll at least know you’ll get in. Check the operating hours in advance. I discovered that in Paris, most museums are closed on Monday, and others have evening hours. Good to know!
• Speaking of museums, they often have very nice bathrooms. Take advantage of your admission price and use the potty while you’re there. Restaurant and public toilettes in Paris are basic at best, and sometimes startlingly co-ed.
• Plan to use public transportation, and read up on it ahead of time. For the Paris Metro, buy a Navigo card (at a manned ticket office) and load it up with multiple trip fares. It’s easy to swipe and replenish as needed. Make sure you get a card for each person. Emma and I learned the hard way the system prohibits two people sharing a card for the same trip.
• Don’t over schedule. In a big city like Paris, I think putting one or two planned activities in your day is enough. Give yourself time to wander in a relaxed way, allow yourself to discover parks, shops and cafes. After my visit to the Fondation Louis Vuitton, I strolled through the surrounding park grounds and was delighted to stumble upon an adorable herd of alpacas.
• Park yourself. If the weather is good, all the locals will be at the park too. I think relaxing on a park bench or an iconic green chair is the best way to observe French culture. All the French women I saw took their shoes off and put their feet up. 

---

Energy Tips

Here are some suggestions to stay energized during the day, beyond dining out. I love to linger over dinner, but sometimes I get impatient with the leisurely pace of restaurant service during the day and just want a quick bite.

---

• Eat a big breakfast and pack a snack and a water bottle for your day out.
• Frequent the local markets and buy bread, cheese, fruit and olives to make your own picnic.
• Go to a boulangerie-pâtisserie for yummy take-out sandwiches and baked goods. When you see a long line of people waiting on the sidewalk, you’ll know you’ve found a good one.
• Tuck a light nylon or canvas tote into your bag for your purchases. (I forgot mine and had to spend a euro on an ugly plastic bag that I tossed anyway).
• Go to a park or a bench along the Seine to enjoy your picnic and chill.
• If you do want to take a break in a café, consider sitting inside rather than at the crowded sidewalk tables. The view may not be as lively, but you’ll avoid smokers and be able to spread out a bit. It’s quieter and cleaner too. 
• Department stores have great cafés, often with quick or self-service and even fabulous views— like this rooftop cafe at Le BHV Marais.

Okay, that’s all I have for now! Excuse any typos and grammatical errors because I’m as spacey as that UFO above. Check back soon for my Paris carry on packing post. I made some good and not-so-good choices we can all learn from. Au revoir!