France Trip Prep from Real Travelers
Planning your first trip out of the country can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s to somewhere as unfamiliar and exciting as France.
This guide is built on real advice from travelers who’ve been through it – what actually helped, what turned out to be a mistake, and what they wish they’d known before arriving in France.
Adjusting to the Flight and Time Change
The flight is long, but the real challenge starts when you land and have to push through exhaustion to get on local time.
Try to sleep on the plane if you land in the morning. If your arrival is later in the day, stay awake during the flight. Avoid naps that stretch into deep sleep, especially during layovers.
Melatonin helps, especially on the first few nights. Add your destination time to your phone and start living by it as early as you can.
Noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask, and earplugs are a must. Hydrate constantly as long flights dry you out. Skip makeup if you’re picky about skincare, and wash your face as soon as you land to feel human again.
Some people swear by the Timeshifter app for a personalized jet lag plan. Others just force themselves to stay up until 9 PM local time and tough it out.
What to Pack (and What Not To)
Overpacking is one of the easiest ways to make your trip harder. For ten days, a backpack and carry-on are usually enough if you plan well. Choose clothes you can layer and mix, and leave anything heavy or hard to match.
European streets aren’t great for dragging giant suitcases, and you’ll likely need to carry your bags up stairs or across cobblestones.
Add a few essentials like earplugs, eyeshades, a portable charger, nail clippers, and a small bag for groceries. Bubble wrap can come in handy for souvenirs.
Don’t forget a power adapter for charging your devices—France uses 220v. And no shame in packing extra socks and underwear.
Phone, SIM, and Data Tips
Your U.S. carrier probably charges a fortune for international use (think $10/day). Instead, get a prepaid SIM before you leave. Orange works well in France and the rest of Europe. Check this other post about getting a French SIM card.
Some phones support eSIMs, which makes setup even easier.
If you use T-Mobile, basic international data may already be included, but it’s usually slow (3G level). Still fine for maps and messaging.
Credit Cards, Cash, and Alerts
Set travel alerts on your banking apps so your cards don’t get flagged. If your card has a mobile app, set it up ahead of time and save the lost/stolen contact info.
Some travelers create a “lost wallet” contact in their phone with emergency numbers, embassy info, and hotel details.
A Chip + PIN credit card is useful for buying train tickets at machines. If your card doesn’t have a PIN, you’ll need to visit the ticket window.
France accepts cards almost everywhere, so you don’t need a ton of cash. Exchanging a few hundred dollars beforehand is fine, but many travelers find themselves trying to spend it before going home.
Language Basics That Actually Help
You don’t need to be fluent. But the more French you try, the better your experience will be. Bare minimum phrases:
- Bonjour / Au revoir
- Merci / S’il vous plaît
- Parlez-vous anglais ?
- Je ne parle pas français
- Où est la gare ? (Where’s the train station?)
See this other post for more essential phrases with audio.
Use Google Translate’s camera feature to scan menus and signs. Download French offline in the app in case you don’t have data.
Always say “Bonjour” when entering shops and “Au revoir” when leaving. It’s not just polite, it’s expected.
Day-to-Day Logistics
Offline navigation is a lifesaver. Maps.me lets you download France and mark spots ahead of time. Google Maps works offline too, but travelers preferred Maps.me for ease and precision.
Tripadvisor’s walking itineraries help organize your sightseeing efficiently. Easy to follow and full of surprises.
Metro and trains are easy to use. But don’t forget to validate printed tickets in the yellow machines (“Compostez votre billet”) before boarding as fines are real. E-tickets don’t need to be validated.
Food, Groceries, and Eating Out
Lunch is often the best value meal of the day, especially Monday to Friday between 12:00 and 13:30. Some Michelin-rated places offer full menus for €18-25. Look for the “Bib Gourmand” or “Plate” categories.
Wine is often cheaper than water in restaurants. Bread isn’t always free – ask before you eat it. Many people grab food from local bakeries or grocery stores and picnic in parks like the Tuileries or along the Seine.
Bring your own shopping bag if you plan to buy groceries. Plastic bags aren’t free.
Museums, Tickets, and Safety
Buy tickets in advance for major sights like the Eiffel Tower and Versailles. It’ll save you hours in line.
Skip petitions, they’re almost always scams. Same goes for overly friendly people around tourist spots.
Pickpocketing happens in crowded metros and near monuments. Use a zippered crossbody bag and keep your hand on it in crowds. Don’t get on packed metro cars, that’s when you’re most vulnerable.
Final Advice From People Who’ve Done It
Don’t put pressure on yourself to check off every sight or landmark. Some of the most memorable parts of the trip will come from unplanned walks, quiet moments, or stumbling across something unexpected.
Things won’t always go according to plan, and that’s fine. A missed train or a closed museum isn’t the end of the world.
You’ll find what you need when you need it. France is easy to navigate once you’re on the ground. The key is to stay curious, stay flexible, and take it all in as it comes.