South of France Packing List

Note that these are just suggestions and you will need to add and subtract from this list to fit your needs. 

Some questions to ask yourself:

  • Can you lift all your luggage? If not, you are bringing too much. You need to be able to carry your bags. 

  • Your bag should be no more than 50 lbs. One checked bag, one day pack, one purse is all you need. 

  • Do you get cold easily? Take a look at the temperatures in Aix-en-Provence and Marseilles as you pack. Layers, layers, layers!

  • Do your ankles swell on long flights? Don’t forget to pick up a pair of knee-high compression stockings to wear on your flights.

Carry-on

Tip: Keep in mind that sometimes luggage is delayed. While we hope this doesn’t happen,  it’s always a good idea to bring any necessary items in your carry-on.

  1. Copies of your passport and credit cards (carry on you throughout trip)

  2. Medications (prescription, but also ibuprofen, antacids, etc)

  3. Eye mask & ear plugs (or Soundcore by Anker Space A40)

  4. Book or e-reader

  5. Hand sanitizer & disinfectant wipes

  6. Your toothbrush and some basic toiletries/cosmetics

  7. Mask (in case you are seated next to someone who is ill!)

  8. Water bottle (fill up after you’ve gone through security)

  9. Snacks you like from home (Luna Bars, Kind Bars, nut mix)

Checked Bag

Shoes

Tip: Always break in your shoes before any trip. We will be walking a lot, so best to make sure they are comfy before you hit the cobblestones of Aix-en-Provence.  

  • 1 pair of walking shoes 

  • 1 pair sandals or flats

  • Cozy socks or flip-flops for the hotel room

Clothing

Try to pack clothes you can wear more than once. Consider following a color theme so you can mix and match separates. Pack extra underwear and socks, or buy fast-drying undies you can wash out in the sink and dry overnight.

Accessories

  • Sun Hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Day pack or a bag large enough to carry your water bottle, hand sanitizer, kleenex, and any layers you may need for the day

  • A shawl or large scarf

  • A cross-body purse (easier to be hands-free and harder to steal)

Toiletries, Rx and more

Tip: French pharmacies will carry just about any toiletry or medication you forget (aside from your prescription meds) but they can be more expensive than in your home country.

  • 1 toiletry kit

  • Sunscreen (or wait and buy European sunscreen)

  • Small first aid kit/baggie with some band-aids and blister care 

  • 1 washcloth or bath pouf (hotels in Europe do not usually offer  them)

  • Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer

  • Kleenex for bathrooms that don’t have TP (it happens sometimes)

  • At-home COVID test in case you experience symptoms while traveling with the group

  • Lg. Ziploc bags (can be used also as packing cubes)

  • Soap to quickly wash out clothes at night and let air dry if needed (Dr. Bronner's)

  • Dramamine for the van rides and the boat ride if you tend to get sick and Ginger Chews (Gin-Gins)

Electronics & More

Tip: Your plugs may not work in Europe without an adapter. For phones, tablets, cameras etc you only need an EU plug adapter. CURLING IRONS and STRAIGHTENERS will NOT work unless they are dual-voltage (i.e. can be set to 220V/240V for Europe).

  • Camera with charger and/or extra batteries/memory card

  • Travel alarm clock (or use your phone)

  • A couple of socket adapters for your various electronics (US to Europe or
    Universal adapter)

  • USB powerbank to charge your phone (Zendure Power Bank 10000)

  • Noise Cancelling earbuds (Soundcore by Anker Space A40)

  • Anything you need to style your hair (curling iron, etc) 

  • Hotel room will have hair dryer 

Other Considerations:

  • If you don’t want to lose it, do not bring it. Leave your laptops and valuables at home.

  • Save space in your luggage for goodies you may buy while at the French markets you’ll visit. 

  • Travel insurance: Leave your policy # with someone at home. Make sure you email it to the Bold Spirit team, too. Carry your policy with you at all times. 

  • Wear a cross-body purse. Never keep all your money and credit cards in the same purse while out sightseeing. Leave some stashed back at the hotel in a safe place. 

  • Use a VPN (like NordVPN) if you are going to access personal information on public WiFi (like at the hotel). 

  • A password manager (1Password or Bitwarden) is useful while traveling.

  • A phone data plan with your telephone company that allows you to use the internet and call while away ($10 with AT&T for their International Pass – most companies offer a similar deal). 

  • Consider RFID sleeves for your wallet and your passport.

  • Arrive with money: 300 euros in cash from AAA or your bank before you land in Europe.

Regina Winkle-Bryan