Travel Tips

In preparation for your trip to France, here are a few tips concerning what to bring.

1. Passport:

Be sure to photocopy the data page and place it and two extra photos in your carry-on. Should your passport be lost or stolen, it will make replacing it much easier.

2. Student ID (or Faculty ID):

Very important because it may allow you to have reduced rates at museums, etc. Make sure it has a sticker with the date of validity.

3. Money:

In Fanjeaux, all meals are provided as well as entries to museums, therefore, you only need pocket money for gifts, etc. During the days in Paris, however, you will need more spending money. Breakfast is provided at our hotel and there will be a farewell dinner for the group. You will be responsible for the other meals. Paris is quite expensive (@$4.00 for a cup of coffee or glass of coke in certain areas). Usually, you can stop and buy something to picnic on as you tour Paris. You will also be responsible for some metro or bus tickets, and some optional museum entries and other free day activities. I suggest at least $300.

4. Bring:

A. A major credit card: Visa, Mastercard (not Discover, also people don't always accept American Express).
There is usually a minimum amount ($20) when using a charge card in a store.

B. Your ATM card works in France and is the simplest solution for getting money from a machine. You need a PIN number, however. There is a fee for each withdrawal, so it is better to make fewer and larger withdrawals. For safety, you and a friend could alternate withdrawals and each take half the amount.

C. I don't recommend Travelers' checks because they have become difficult to cash even in banks.

D. Change $150 to euros upon arrival at the bank in the airport in Paris. If your stopover in Paris is long enough to allow you to change money and then to relax in an airport café with a croissant and a café au lait, by all means do that. Others can change money in the Toulouse airport. Fanjeaux is too small to have a bank.

4. AT&T MCI or another calling card: Remember, France is six hours ahead of New York time. You can receive phone messages at the Belvédère, but you must use the public phone to call home. Follow the directions on your card or use coins, which is cheaper. The same is true in Paris but there you can also use French télécartes.

5. Medicine:

A. Most important-- Prescription medicine: Don't forget to count the days you'll be away and bring all you need. If you suffer from asthma or other allergies, bring an extra inhaler, etc. The plants are in full bloom! Bring just the amount you need of prescription meds in original packaging and, if they are addictive, bring your doctor’s prescription.

B. First aid. It's a good idea to bring your favorite remedies. Most likely you'll never need to use any of them, but if you do you'll be very happy to have them. I never leave town without:

Aspirin or Tylenol
Band-Aids and antibiotic cream for any blisters incurred while sightseeing.
Pepto-bismol for queasy stomach and mild diarrhea. Although France is not Mexico, the food is different and might bother you the first few days, especially if you eat too much cheese and salad. (There are 365 different kinds of cheese in France!)
Immodium AD for dire cases of you-know-what.

Our bus excursions are on winding roads, so some people may want to bring bonine or those anti sea-sickness wrist bands. “Ear planes”, available in any drugstore, are also a good investment for your overseas flight. They prevent the severe pain that can occur during changes in cabin pressure. You put them in before take-off and remove them when cruising altitude is reached and then put them in again one hour before landing.

6. Cosmetics:

Cosmetics and other toilet articles are expensive in France so don't forget your hairspray, shampoo, conditioner, tampax, etc.

7. Appliances and other items:

A. Hairdryer. Must have dual controls to convert to 220 volts and you also need an adapter plug for European outlets.

B. Folding umbrella.

C. Face cloth, soap and perhaps a towel (if you have a preference as to type and/or size).

8. Clothes:

A. Travel light. Only one carry-on and one suitcase. You will carry your own luggage. Label all bags clearly inside and out. LOCK your suitcase (when airport security regulations permit).

B. Very comfortable walking shoes (sneakers, sandals). We walk a great deal on rocky, uneven ground when visiting ruins and, in Paris, we cover many kilometers.

C. Simple clothes to wear again and again and again. (French women put on an outfit they like and they wear it over and over, which makes perfect sense for travelers.) Dress is casual : a couple of slacks or skirts, tees or blouses, a light jacket, one sweater, shorts and a bathing suit if you want to bathe in the Mediterranean when we visit Collioure. You can add something more dressy for Paris, if you like. Keep an eye on the weather channel just before we leave. Fanjeaux is likely to have cool nights and mornings, Paris will be a bit warmer.

9. Carry-on bags:

Liquids and gels are now restricted in size and packaging. A separate page of recent regulations will be sent by email.