Packing for Paris

If you're trying to lighten the load, I would ditch the bathing suit unless your hotel has an indoor pool.

You haven't mentioned shoes. Be sure you have a pair that is comfortable for both walking and standing around.

Your meds are okay.

It is a flat rate ( not metered) from the airport to your hotel on the Left Bank. See Pam's advice in this post for exact instructions.

Taxi in Paris

jeanm

I forgot to mention my shoes. I have a pair of Kizik's which have turned out to be a very good pair of shoes. I went to a podiatrist and he likes them. He gave me an order for inserts which I have had inserted.

I will have my cane with me which I sometimes need and other times do not need but just in case.

I have read about the taxis in Paris. For some reason, I thought you were supposed to watch to see that something was up or down such as a meter. Maybe that is when you are just in Paris it but I know that from CDG to Paris, it is a flat rate.

However there have been some mentions of persons having some difficulty with the regulated taxis at the airport. Some taxis tried to get more money because the traffic was so bad and it took so long. Others would not accept a card. There were very few when a traveler had a problem weith the regulated taxis at the airport but they were mentioned.

Just to be very safe, I have 80 euros.

Oh my bathing suit is very light and takes up very little room. I do not even swim but just being hopeful in case I come cross a spa ......

There is actually a trail of feet on the ground leading to the taxi stand. Have a great time!

Also, pharmacies in Paris are so helpful if you need something. The pharmacists are not gushy friendly like they can be in the States, but they will take good care of you. Last year my husband realized he needed compression socks. We went to a pharmacy (look for the green cross), waited in a line, remembered to say “Bonjour”, described what we needed and the pharmacist found exactly what he needed in his very small shop. That’s just an example to let you know how helpful they can be.

Phil, did you click on the link I posted above re taxi in Paris?

Do exactly what Pam says and you will have no problem. (I've edited Pam's post to apply to your hotel)

You go directly to the Taxi stand ignoring anyone who comes up to you in the terminal and asks if you are either "going to Paris" or need a taxi. Follow the round blue circles on the floor or the overhead signs to the official taxi rank. Get in line and the taxi manager will point you to a cab.

There is a fixed rate from CDG into town. Your hotel is on the LEFT Bank so will be 65E. No tip is needed.

I also have a 3x5 card on which I have my hotel name and full address including the number starting with 75. For you it will be 75005. I have written out beside it - Fixed Rate 65E. I would hold up my CC and say...."CC OK?". This way they know you are paying by CC before you get in and they can't try to tell you their machine is broken and they also know you know it's a flat rate.

Phil, I would do exactly the above and make it clear before you even get in the taxi that you will pay by credit card so there is no confusion by you or the driver.

And as Patty says, when entering or leaving a shop/Patisserie or whatever always says Bonjour to the clerk/host ... and you'll be fine.

thank you Patty and jeanm

I actually know a very little French from high school and college, just a little, but I know more than just bon jour.

jeanm, the index cards are a good idea. I was going to bring paper sheets to write on but I like the index cards better. I plan to have the name and address of my hotel on one but also places that I am trying to get to. For instance, I want to take either the Toot Bus or the Big Bus. I plan to write the address of the Toot Bus stop on an index card as I walk hopefully in the right direction. Then if I am having difficulty finding the stop, I can show it to somone.

and I read the link that you sent me but i have already read either the same link or similar as I have been researching my trip. I feel confident that I have taking a cab from CDG to my hotel down pat.

Patty, i have to keep reminding myself that I am not going to the Amazon Jungle in case I forget something.

I will be updating forum as I go along even with my experiences at CDG and my taxi to the hotel.

I do a TR as I go along.

"bostonphil goes to Paris"

Phil, are you only taking one pair of shoes? I always take two, walking shoes and walking sandals. I have foot problems and sometimes my toes like a break from being confined on shoes.
If you’re not a sandal wearer, just changing from one pair of walking shoes to another gives my feet the relief they crave.
I also take a couple pairs of cotton blend compression socks to help my legs. There was a thread a few months ago about the different brands and types of compression socks.

I would second the suggestion to take two pairs of shoes. Once on a trip my favorite shoes decided they were ready to retire and the sole almost completely separated from the top of the shoe. So I was walking in the airport with my shoe sole flapping until I got my luggage and could get my second pair. I know it may seem overkill to some people but if you have a hard to fit foot you can’t just walk into a store and pick up a new pair. Not to mention if your shoes get wet it is nice to have a dry pair to change to.

I think skirts are great for travel & especially for Paris. Do you have at least one pair of leggings to stuff in your bag in case it is chilly and you want a little extra coverage for warmth. I always stuff a pair in my carryon and have found them helpful to have. Have a wonderful time. As the saying goes: Paris is always a good idea.
P.S. I'm so excited I've now made 2500 posts and got my gold star.

About OTC meds...I know pharmacies are helpful, but I highly recommend packing Pepto/bismuth tablets. That's the type of OTC I'd want to have with me. You hope you don't need it, but I'd rather pack it than not. With that said, enjoy your trip!

Rachel

I am going to bring something for heartburn.

It will be another brand from my health care plan but I also have Tums Chewables.

It is my own fault that I get heartburn. My eating habits leaves a lot to be desired

I am packing my meds now both prescription and otc.

Horsewoofie and ncangelose

I probably should take two pairs of shoes. I have sandals. I have a pair of Chacos and a pair of Sketchers.

I also have another pair of Sketchers that I wear around the house as slippers.

As it turns out my podiatrist does not like Sketchers for walking because while they are cushy, they do not offer a lot of support. So I use my slip on Sketchers as slippers.

I spent about $200 on my Sketchers. I am not going to throw them out.

I have many pairs of compression socks but I also have Bombas. I am bringing two pairs of Bombas and wearing one pair.

I do not wear socks if it is warm.

Laurie Beth

I usually wear skirts or dresses but I am bringing one or two long pants in case it is chilly especially at night.

However I confess to you that my long pants are pajama bottoms which i am going to wear under my skirts. Thery may not match as well as I would like.

I have a London Fog Trench Coat which is a hand me down and a little big on me. It goes down to my ankles so if it is cold and or rainy, maybe no one will notice. The trench coat wiill probably also keep me warm.

Congratulations on your gold star.

I wanted to travel super light and it is not happening.

Looks like I m going to have to being more than I would have liked.

B.phil:
My rule is that every top must go with every bottom.
Pick three colours, then the tops and bottoms will coordinate.
Also, if I won’t use or wear something more than three times, I leave it at home.
You won’t need a bathing suit!
Your Chaco’s sandals should be fine for a second pair of shoes…..they’re quite supportive.
Do you have a shorter rain jacket to bring, than your great big trench coat….it might be all you need.

Happy packing.

I think you’ve done this routine for your previous trips but here goes:

If you want to pack light, do a test pack per your packing list. Note: packing list includes Everything you are taking in your suitcase, tote and purse.

Weigh and measure your filled luggage. Does it meet airline guidelines? If not, decide if you want to do carry on only or check luggage and manage the extra weight yourself.

If you want carry on only, revamp your packing list, repack, weigh and measure until you meet airline guidelines. Remember that your coat is in addition to carry on rules (most airlines).

You’ve traveled enough to know what’s comfortable for you. It’s hard not to think about the what ifs and only must needs. Your packing list as per your original post sounds fine, but further down the thread you started adding things. Keep the second pair of shoes. I’d cut the swim suit; slim to none chance you’ll wear it.

Bon Voyage!

S J

I like a rain coat rather than a rain jacket and I do not have a shorter one. The trench coat will be very useful if it is chilly or it we have a heavy rain. Of course, I have packed an umbrella.

I am going to wear my sweater and rain coat so I do not have to pack them. That might look a little strange and even be a little uncomfortable since I am in Austin Texas and we are already going into the 90's F.

However it is looking like rain every day.

I have three skirts and three blouses that match. I have a really nice simple black travel dress that I am going to wear on the plane..

I like your rule. Maybe I should go back to two skirts and three blouses.

Horsewoofie

Usually I take a cruise lasting about 10 days. Last cruise was two weeks. I pre cruise about 3 or 4 nights so this trip is several days less than my others. I have never spent one full week anywhere for many years. And I have not taken a non cruise vacation for many years.

I wear my coat and sweater to the airport and onto the plane which can look a little strange since I am in Austin Texas and we are already hitting 90 degrees. But I will be spending the night at the airport and leaving at 7 am. The airport is air conditioned and can get cold. We have been having rain, sometimes heavy so I might not look too strange. On the plane, I take off the coat and sweater but sit in them. I use them instead of a blanket and they provide some cushioning.

I have a small sling bag which holds all the important things I need including my iPad and even my travel guide book. I wear my sling bag in front. I bought a new sling bag for this trip and have already transferred items in my purse to my sling bag wanting to get used to it..

I have a back pack which is getting very heavy. Amazing how fast it goes from not being heavy to heavy . In my back pack, I will put in my chargers, my meds and my personal care items. I have plenty of room.

And I have a small rolling bag which I will be checking. Delta sent me this bag when they destroyed my last one a few trips back. It is a nice bag.

I am not certain that i need three skirts. I was going with only two but they are such nice skirts. I could not make up my mind which two. But i have a week. I probably should go back to two.

For now, I have more space than things.

I think a London Fog Trench is way too heavy for Paris. I am here for April and May and my coat is a lined mid thigh length windbreaker/raincoat -- it has a detachable hood and I spray it with waterproofing before each trip. In Rapallo Italy it started to rain during dinner and we had to walk home in the rain and so the hood came out and was perfect. May is likely to be warmish and a lighter jacket or rain garment will work better. A light jacket or raincoat that can be layered under for warmth works better than a heavy trench. (maybe yours is super lightweight -- but the London Fogs I have seen are too heavy)

I find that I either wear the windbreaker on a chilly morning or end up as I am now just in a travel shirt (with those good pocket and sun screening) over a t -shirt.

I always carry the OTC meds I might need -- I have been traveling in Europe since 1960 -- no one has every looked at my meds even back in the days when they actually routinely searched luggage on arrival. If I were carrying a narcotic or other possible to misuse medications, I would be more carefully about medical documentation -- I don't worry about it with my more benign prescription drugs.

Have fun -- Paris is wonderful this time of year.

For a 6-7 night trip, I take 3 pants (wear one, pack 2), 4 tops with a mix of long and short sleeves, a light sweater and a raincoat. I don't bring skirts mostly because skirts require certain footwear. I usually wear ankle boots when traveling and I can't see a skirt with these. Nor do I wear sandals while traveling. They just don't have enough support for me and I wouldn't wear them in the rain or chilly weather. Nor do I see myself wearing a skirt in rainy weather which I've encountered quite a bit in France.

Women always mention sandals for traveling but I walk all day--8 hours, 10 miles at least--and I don't think sandals have the support that I need for this much walking. Sandals would be okay for going out in the evening but I don't do that.

I travel extremely minimally and I never take an extra pair of shoes. It's just not necessary for me.