I'm going to France for 10 weeks. What should I pack?
I'm going to Paris for 10 weeks for an internship and was wondering what the essentials for packing should be. Should I take one suitcase or two? Right now, the things I have on my list are 2 weeks worth of work clothes, 2 weeks worth of leisure clothes, my laptop/lock, and power converters.
Packing & Preparation - 5 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
That's more than enough. But fold up a backpack and put it in your suitcase as well so you can bring back some of the French fashions (that you will fall in love with). But do take a spare pair of shoes. European feet are different than North American feet -- the sizing is different, the styling is different -- and you want to make sure you'll be comfortable when you're going around seeing the sights of the country during your ten week stay. Bonne chance!
Answer 2 :
wow, sounds very exciting, have fun, but dont overpack or you will regret it...dont bring that much leisure clothes, you will most likely buy stuff there (that i would reccomend shipping home and not carrying) and there is great fashion there, so you will probably find clothes you want, but for work clothes, 2 weeks worth sounds good and dont forget toileteries, europe has some different brands of stuff, so if you have specific brands that you are in love with make sure you bring enough for the first week (if the airline you are using doesnt use the 3 oz. rule) and perhaps get a friend or family member to ship you toileteries after that HAVE FUN and dont forget a camera
Answer 3 :
You don't say what type of internship you are doing so the below suggestions are made with the assumption you will NOT need business clothing for work every day. It also assumes you are going to France during the late Spring to early Fall. Going in Winter will require appropriate clothing. Your laptop almost certainly accepts 240 volts so you don't need a converter for it (look on the power supply). However, you do need an adapter to connect the flat-prong USA plug to round-prong outlets in Europe. Stores like BestBuy and CompUSA sell a combo adapter + surge protector for about $25. A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in your daily life. You are allowed two carryons so your laptop bag plus the backpack will be OK. Two regular-size rolling suitcases (not more than 50 pounds each) are much easier to handle and won't get you charged for overweight (maybe even refused) by the airline. You don't need 28 changes of clothes for a 10 week trip: Don't worry about wearing the same outfit more than once (just be presentable). If you don't have easy access to laundry facilities, underclothes can be washed in the bathroom sink. You can also wash shirts & trousers in the bathroom sink - there will be a laundry somewhere if you don't want to do that. Shampoo takes out grease stains and a little conditioner (or "conditioning shampoo") reduces wrinkles. 1 Jacket, preferably with a hood and at least semi water resistant 2 Sweaters (unless you are going somewhere guaranteed to be hot) 10 Shirts (5 short-sleeve & 5 long-sleeve) 2 Jeans, 4 Not jeans 2 Short pants 8 Changes of underclothing 2 Pair of comfortable walking shoes 1 or 2 Swimsuits (+ beach clothing & sandals if going to the seaside) 1 Set of gym clothing & shoes Try to choose classics, and items that you can mix and match. Have at least one set of "nicer" clothing. You should take one set of dress clothing & shoes in case you attend a more formal occasion (nice restaurant for dinner, opera, whatever). Take a supply of USA toiletries and over-the-counter medications with you. The same items will be available in France, but the brands will be unfamiliar and they will cost more. Ditto with prescription meds. Wear one set of clothing on the flight. Pack the jacket, 1 ss shirt, 1 ls shirt, 1 trousers, a set of underclothing, and basic toiletries in your carry-on. (check the rules at www.tsa.gov) Split your other work & leisure clothing and toiletries/OTC meds evenly between the suitcases. There is always a chance one of your bags will go astray and that way you will still have both types of extra clothing to wear until it reappears. Mark or tag both suitcases with something that makes them more distinct. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might accidentally pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag the bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a good phone number + e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the check-in counter are OK. Send an e-mail message to yourself with your passport number & date of issue. Ditto with the numbers of the credit cards you will take with you. That way the info is easily accessible in case something is lost or stolen. Consider getting trip medical insurance even if your regular policy says it covers you in Europe. Trip medical insurance is cheap and is sold via airlines and travel agencies (like American Express). Books in English can be hard to find in France. However, you can order from www.amazon.co.uk and the shipping costs & time will be the "inside Europe" rates. Amazon UK sells all sorts of things via their site - not just books. Hope you have a good trip!
Answer 4 :
The people that have answered already gave some good advice. The only things that I would add is prescription drugs, specific personal hygiene products that might not be available in France and any articles of clothing that might be difficult to replace. For example, I'm quit fussy about my undergarments and don't like to wear just anything. Make sure these items are in your carry-on with at least one change of underwear and t-shirt or top. My check-in luggage didn't always arrive when I did.
Answer 5 :
I don't know if you plan on going out a lot, but I would tell you to bring your best clothes. I didn't bring a lot of clubbing or bar type of outfits with me and ended up spending a fortune on clothes. Everyone dresses so beautiful there! Definitely take 2 suitcases! If you take any over the counter meds bring them, because the pharmacies there are way different than here and I couldn't even find allergy pills. When you're there, check out a store called Zara. There are a few of them, and the clothes are amazing! Have a blast, and good luck with your internship.
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