Smart Preparations for a Seamless Parisian Getaway
A trip to Paris should feel effortless, refined, and beautifully curated. While the city itself provides the charm and romance, a little preparation ensures that you arrive feeling comfortable, confident, and ready to experience Paris the Fancy and Frugal way. By planning ahead, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and inconveniences while enhancing your overall experience.
My family calls me a "planny pants" - which is absolutely true! I spend a LOT of time find the perfect items that I can purchase in advance at an affordable price that make my stays in Paris more enjoyable.
I'll never forget spending $23 on some hair gel for my husband on our first visit because he had forgotten it. I didn't know how to shop wisely in Paris and I wasn't prepared!!
Here’s how to prepare with elegance and practicality in mind.
A Local-Friendly SIM Card or eSIM
Avoid costly international roaming fees by purchasing a French SIM card in advance. Providers like Orange and Bouygues offer prepaid options, or consider an eSIM like Airalo for seamless connectivity upon arrival.
We use TMobile and have free calls or communicate via video with Facebook or What's App.
Power Adapter & Voltage Converter
Don't have an Emily Paris moment over your straight iron. Paris uses Type E plugs and 230V electricity. A universal adapter with USB ports is essential, and if you’re bringing high-powered devices, check if you need a voltage converter. You can purchase these very inexpensively and in bulk on Amazon before you go. But finding them in Paris gets a little more costly.
Hands-Free Phone Lanyard or Crossbody Case
Paris is a city just like any other city you may have visited. That's why you need to be vigilant. Not scared, worried, or afraid. Just vigilant. If people or a situation seems funky, it's probably funky. Act like a Parisian, stick your head up, and keep walking. With that said, an easy way to prioritize safety is to consider a crossbody or phone lanyard. For easy access to maps, tickets, and translation apps, a secure phone lanyard or chic crossbody phone case keeps your device handy while preventing theft. I purchased a gold chain lanyard that looked a lot like a necklace and wore it only when I felt like I needed to be more aware of my surroundings.
Having one in advance will get you through the most stressful and unfocused travel times - getting to and from the airport.
They are super affordable, can be semi-stylish, and are a great piece of mind to have with you before you travel.
Comfortable and Chic Walking Shoes
Paris is a city best explored on foot. Invest in elegant yet comfortable shoes, such as stylish leather sneakers, ballet flats with support, or well-cushioned ankle boots.
The Smaller Things
- Parisian weather can be unpredictable. A small but high-quality umbrella ensures you stay dry without sacrificing style.
- A scarf is a quintessential Parisian accessory. Choose a lightweight option for layering, sun protection, or adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
- Perfect for carrying market finds, souvenirs, or an impromptu picnic, a foldable tote is both stylish and practical.
- Purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or Navigo Easy transport card in advance saves time and money, allowing for seamless entry and transit throughout the city.
- Pack a few essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, and blister pads. Parisian pharmacies are excellent, but having these on hand ensures convenience.
- For quiet moments on flights, trains, or in bustling cafés, a quality pair of earbuds enhances your travel comfort.
- Pack a small bottle of laundry detergent for touching up clothing, shoes, or for tackling stains. You probably won't be washing clothes but you can fix a small issue should one arise.
I also packed a little travel utensils set, a small cutting board, and a few cloth napkins for picnics by the Seine. I found them in Target at the dollar spot saving a ton of time and energy when it was time to indulge.
Technology
I can't encourage you enough to spend some time getting used to the technology you'll need to traverse Paris. There's an app for everything. Start with Google Translate, Bonjour RAPT, City Mapper, and then delve into your Go City reservations and more.
You'll spend a good amount of time learning the apps and how they work while you're in Paris. My husband is an IT genius and we still had a ticket hiccup at the Louvre.
Be sure you also store your itinerary, tickets, and walking tours in an offline location as well to avoid any connectivity issues that are prevelant in Paris.
A few tips:
To help you manage all of the things you've decided to bring to Paris.
Check an Empty Bag
We always check a completely empty suitcase so that we have more than enough room to travel back with. This gives me room to shop and to be a little less precise as we pack up to head home.
Set Up Tap to Pay
Most of the check out options in Paris allow you to use a tap to pay option when checking out. Even restaurants. This saved us so much time and helped us avoid being asked for tips. Set this up in advance to save tons of time.
Pack a To Go Bag
As fancy travelers we don't like to rough it. We want to be comfortable. For me this means having what we need when we need it. My husband carries a travel safe leather backpack with our umbrellas, care items, folding bags, and other needs. It keeps us happy and healthy while we travel.
Bagging Groceries
Cashiers in Paris do not bag your groceries for you. You'll need to quickly open your bag, scoop up your goods, and place them in your tote. If you don't you may experience a moment of frustration. So don't fill your bag too much! You need it at every stop.
Power
The electrical grid is old and different than the US. That means your blowdryers and curling irons could trip the system. So check into getting dual voltage or buying one while in France. Or accept the tousled French vibes for your hair while you're there.
Overpacking is Too Easy
I want to look and feel stylish when I'm in Paris so I tend to majorly overpack. So take it from me... a little can go a long way. Try a capsule warbdrobe with blacks, white, and reds to keep your suitcase empty and your heart full.
Preparing with Intention for a Flawless Parisian Adventure
Packing for Paris is about balancing elegance, practicality, and thoughtful planning. By preparing in advance, you’ll avoid unnecessary expenses and inconveniences while ensuring your trip is smooth and stylish. With these Fancy and Frugal essentials, you’ll step into Paris feeling effortlessly prepared—ready to savor every moment without distraction.
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