Paris in the Fall, part I

Paris in the Fall is a fabulous time to visit. “La rentrée” [“back to school”, although the term really mans “back to whatever ”] signals that the new fall season starts, the “salons” [big conferences] are held, Parisians pour back into town from their summer holidays, the theatre season starts off with a bang, and several Festivals beckon all over town.

Tips, Part I.: getting ready

– Pack lightly! One suitcase is enough for the essentials: blacks, browns, navys. Be sure everything coordinates. Easy shoes. Parisians dress well, yes, but casually. You’ll see Yves St Laurent only on the runway. And jeans are the fashion! (tasteful jeans, not baggy ones with holes in the knees). You’re often responsible for toting your bag alone in France and there may not be the convenience of elevators and escalators to get where you’re going, so be sure you can carry whatever you pack.

– Before you leave home, notify your credit card company that you will be overseas so they don’t block your card. Note that while credit cards are widely used in Europe, American Express is not their favorite and is often declined. Take Visa & Mastercard if you have them.

– Check with your medical insurance as well, just in case you slip on the sidewalk and find yourself in the emergency room in France.

– Although most of us don’t think we need it, consider purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. For a fairly small fee, you can protect your travel investment should you be prevented from traveling if something unexpected comes up…you sprain your ankle in the parking lot; your child has an injury at baseball practice; your aging parents take an unexpected spill…etc. Accidents do happen, but don’t fall victim to the fallout.

Continue preparing by reading more tips and helpful information!