Chose one!
When you’re traveling in France, whether it be for a week, a month, or a year, TRAVEL LIGHTLY. Particularly if you travel by train or plane throughout the country, or even just trailing your suitcase behind you for a couple of blocks in Paris, it is best for your back (shoulders, knees, wrists) to pack lightly, intelligently, and succinctly. One suitcase should suffice if you plan well, preferably one you can lift yourself when it’s full. You will need a blend of mostly casual clothes with one or two evening outfits. Hotel rooms are small in Europe, much smaller than their American counterparts. Storage space is often sparse; hangers are occasionally just a figment of your imagination.
As a traveler, you probably won’t be seen by the same people twice, so who cares if you wear the same things two days in a row? My simple rule of thumb is a rule of threes: everything I pack must be able to be worn with three other things. Hence, my black pants must be able to be coordinated with my green blouse, my blue T-shirt, and my white jacket. My green blouse must also be able to be coordinated with my white pants, my blue jeans, and my black pants. And so on. For women, who are often confronted with the famous SHOE dilemma, here’s a rule of thumb: a pair comfortable walking shoes, low flats, and changeable sandals work well for summer fare; one pair of boots and closed-toed shoes are good for the fall/cooler seasons. For men, polo shirts, a collared shirt, and a couple of nice T-shirts work well in the summer; collared shirts and a simple jacket which can be work both with jeans and slacks are good in the cooler months.
Black is a great color to pack, not only because it’s so versatile and doesn’t show the dirt, but because it’s so very French. Dress is down with a casual shirt; dress it up with accessories (earrings, cuff links, belt, shoes) and you’ve got an evening outfit.
If you travel on European trains or planes, storage space is at a premium, and checked baggage is expensive. Bring a carry-on where you can, not only for easy storing in the trains/planes but for carting off the platforms and passageways.
Take a few tips from the King of Packing: Louis Vuitton. Click on this short video helps you visualize how to make the best of your suitcase. Bon voyage! www.frenchtraveler.com
