I am going away to France for a month, is there any essentials i should bring?

Question

I am going away to France for a month, is there any essentials i should bring?

Answer 1

french-english dictionary

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Answer 2

Do some research (Internet is OK) on the area(s) you expect to visit.  

Take clothes that you can mix and match, and that can be washed (don't need to be dry-cleaned). Pack enough for a week. - you will be able to wash clothes somewhere, even if it is in a sink using shampoo & conditioner (which reduces wrinkles).

"Normal" clothing is OK, but not if it is overly casual. Pack at least one set of "dress" clothing & shoes unless you KNOW you won't need it.

You need a pair of broken-in "walking" shoes if you plan to sight-see on foot.

Take a folding umbrella and a light jacket that is at least semi-water resistant (one with a hood is best). You don't say where you plan to go, but summer weather in the mountains can be cool.

Notify the issuers of any credit or debit cards that you plan to use them abroad.  That way using the card(s) in France won't trigger an automatic "security hold" that could be inconvenient.

Take your driving license/state ID even if you don't plan to drive.  A DL works as daily ID so you don't have to show your passport all the time (and risk losing it).

Take your student ID if you have one. Museums and other attractions usually offer discounts for students.

Send an e-mail message to yourself with the numbers for your passport, ID, and credit/debit cards. An option is to send yourself scanned copies of your passport, etc.  That way the info is available from any computer connected to the Internet if something should be lost or stolen.

Pickpockets MAY be a problem in some areas. Buy an under-the-trousers security belt - available at luggage shops and in the luggage department at large stores. It is basically a rectangular pouch with an elastic strap that goes around your waist under your clothes. Keep you passport and most of your cash & cards in the belt.

Check with your home medical insurance to find out if it covers you in Europe AND will pay for “medical evacuation” to home if necessary. If yes, make sure you have proof of insurance (ex. insurance card) with you.  If no, buy "trip medical insurance", which is cheap and sold by travel agencies & airlines. DON"T travel without medical insurance.

Finally, learn enough French to read a menu & order in restaurants, read schedules, ask directions, tell time & dates, and buy things in shops. For example, learn (it's NOT hard):

Please/thank you

Excuse me

Yes/no

Left/right

Hot/cold

Up/down

North/south/east/west

Yesterday/today/tomorrow

Primary colors

Days of the week/months of the year

Count to 100

Basic food items (chicken, beef, fish, cheese, bread, etc.)

Where is...?

How many...?

How much...?

Hope you have a great trip!

Answer 3

A lot of money! The exchange rate is terrible.

Answer 4

If you haven't unintentionally left off 'back', after bring, I assume that you mean take. In that case take a good phrase book as the French don't really like to speak English even when they are able to. If you do mean 'bring back', bring perfume and/or wine.

Answer 5

peanut butter and jelly haha. I don't know if you are a picky eater but it may be helpful. also, bring a journal to write in everyday about your experiences