Packing for Paris was quite a mess considering I was working nonstop before my flight. After being in Paris for a week, I feel comfortable compiling the things I’m am thankful to have, and what I regret not bringing. I went through the jetlag and and heat stroke so you don’t have to!
What I’m glad I brought
- Earplugs
Paris should be the city that never sleeps, because I sure as hell didn’t my first few days here. Whether it’s people legitimately screaming in your dorm or the loudest buses and trucks you have ever had the displeasure of hearing, you will be surrounded by ungodly sounds 24/7. These earplugs from travelon are way better at blocking out noise than the cheap foam ones, I randomly found them in the bottom of my duffle bag when I was angry and awake at 2:00 AM. This was in this moment that I believed in god.
- Refillable Water Bottle
Unlike U.S buildings with water fountains in each hall, water fountains line the streets to provide a nonstop stream to refill water bottles. This can save you lots of money and is an absolute must in the heat!
- Compact carrying case
Perfect for carrying those loose items in your luggage like medicine, chargers, adapters, and more. The target Dollar spot has new ones that are outdoors themed- I couldn’t resist.
What I wish I brought
- A fan
France is literally the hottest it’s ever been. I know I have at least 5 hand fans at home that have never been touched and I don’t know why I didn’t consider slipping one into my bag. The heat wave + no AC is an incredible combo to make you sweat in places that you wish didn’t have sweat glands. It goes without saying that if for the sake of all that is good in this world, you must wear deoderant. As my French friend Ilies once said on the subject of no AC, “It’s terrible.”
- Melatonin/Tylenol PM
I know a lot of people discourage the use of sleep aids and suggest to naturally adjust to the time difference. Those people can kiss my ass because the jet lag hit me like a brick (much bigger and denser than Brick Astley.) I have been to Tokyo, Switzerland, and Peru without a problem. Paris, however, is a different beast. I can only imagine the sheer bliss of taking some Tylenol PM after a long day of walking and konking out for the whole night.
- Hand Sanitizer
Even if you make a strong effort to avoid touching anything, your hands will still feel grody after an hour of being in Paris. Touching hand rails all around can have you feeling gross, so I recommend bringing a bottle if you don’t want to pay a Euro every time you want to wash your hands. This study shows just how dangerous the metro can be.