Don't forget to pack.....

To finish up my little article on what to pack...

remember I am going on a business trip ( to buy treasures for my antique shop)

not a vacation. But who won't feel on vacation just walking the streets of Paris...

flea markets or not!!!

Here are some of my must haves to pack....

OK, a passport...well they won't let you past the ticket counter without one, so that should be a no brainer!

Rain Hat, try to juggle your bags, market cart & and bargain while holding an umbrella... 

no way! Either take a coat with a hood, or rain hat...I take both! I want my hands free to grab up the bargains!

A package of cleaning cloths or baby wipes.....your hands will be filthy by the time one market is completed...wipes hands clean better than sanitizing liquid and won't dry out you hands!

You've seen my 3 outlet extension cords? Run by Darty, Color Zola, Brico, or any other hardware type store and grab one your first day out! Hotel contractors must charge thousands of dollars for each outlet they install, why are there only 2 outlets per room! With all of the internet things we have, you're going to wonder what you ever did without it! About 8E.

And while we are on the subject....

don't forget about adaptors for the plug-ins. Most hotels usually have loaners, or you can buy them in the tourists shop for around 5E each...... Oh and make sure your things all are dual voltage....

all computers are these days, including phones...but hair curlers, etc may not be!

Don't run the risk of melting you favorite curlers because it's not dual voltage!!!

Then a couple quirky things...

Empty, dry plastic water or soda bottles.....I pack 12 or more per suitcase! Think about those guys out on the ramp tossing your bag up onto the cargo area.....Now if you pack these small plastic (and free) empty bottles around the outside rim inside of your suitcases, they will help protect your precious purchases from banging against the sides, without adding extra weight. Trust me, in all the years that I have flown back and forth, 

(knock on wood)

I have never had a thing broken when using the empty bottle packing!

I know you take a bundle of bubble wrap, who doesn't.....but I never take tape.

Tape is pretty much permanent when it sticks to bubble.....use my trick of rubber bands...

I have a bag of all sizes! They hold the bubble on well, protect the item, but the bubble can be used again with no damage!

Lastly, take a pair of bedroom slippers on the airplane with you. You can use them in your hotel, but most important use them ON the airplane. Oh sure, they vacuum the floor on these planes before every flight, but are they clean? I understand they only "over haul" i.e. deep clean the seats and flooring every 2 months!!! And the toilets...well let's not even go into a public toilet without your feet covered...and I don't mean just socks! Just ask your flight attendant their opinion next time you fly!!!

Then, in goes 2 inexpensive wash cloths....don't go to Neiman Marcus to buy the prettiest, get cheap white ones from a discount store. Why two? Some hotels and apartments do not furnish these little towels, one for you and you'll need an extra one just to clean off treasures before you pack them away. Throw them in the trash before you leave!

A great find is the travel size version of Febreze! A must in my bag, I spray everything including my clothes and shoes!

And lastly, a must have for any shopper is the baggage scale. You can get these for as low at $12 at Target. You will want to weigh each suitcase before you close it up....over weight baggage can cost you a bundle the next morning at the airport. And shifting stuff from one suitcase to the other is not a pretty sight with 100 of your fellow passengers looking on. Check with your airplane BEFORE you leave home as to size and weight restrictions!

It's all about being prepared!

Coming soon, I'll talk about renting an apartment vs. a hotel room

and also how to choose that perfect location!

Got to pack MY bags now,

I'll be back in touch once I settle into my accommodations in Paris!

xo, Lee