With the romantic scenery of the Eiffel Tower, the opposing alps of the north, and the beaches of the south, France never fails to attract tourists worldwide. There may be a combination of excitement and a bit of nervousness as you’ll be traveling to the country.

However, if you put in the effort to prepare for your trip at the very least correctly, you are sure to have a good time. To ensure that your trip to France is a success, here are the nine preparations you need to make!

Budget and Itinerary

The cost of the trip should be on top of your preparation list. And what better way to plan for the budget than to know where to go in the country?

Where Should You Go in France?

Make a list of the attractions you want to see in France first. You may then plan your trip and arrange to lodge. To organize your trip to France more effectively, you need to know where you’ll be going first. There is no need to follow a tight itinerary if it isn’t your thing, but a list of places to see and things to do in each city or area can be helpful.

The Eiffel Tower, Mont-Saint-Michel, Notre-Dame Cathedral, The Louver Museum, Le Château de Versailles, and the Arc de Triomphe are some attractions France offers.

How Much Should You Spend on Your Travels?

Now that you have decided where in France you wish to travel to, you should find out how much money you will need for your trip. Your spending plan will be affected not only by the mode of transportation you choose but also by whether or not you travel during shoulder or high seasons.

The average traveler to France spends approximately €74 on a hotel room in the middle of the price range, €40–€60 on dinner for two, and €24 per person per day on public transportation. Regardless of the size of your budget, you should always be sure to leave a little wiggle room for things you hadn’t anticipated.

How You Travel around France

Flying into France is a breeze — thanks to the country’s extensive network of over 20 regional airports. You may also reach France quickly and simply by plane if you’re from somewhere else than Europe. Delayed flights may also come as a hassle. That’s why airlines offer flight delay compensation that benefits travelers around the globe. 

If you’re traveling from Europe, on any European airline such as TUI, and you experience any issues with your flight, you may be entitled to claim flight delay compensation from TUI. You may be entitled to up to €600 (about $700) if your flight gets disrupted, which would be great to make up for the trouble and hassle you experience during your trip. 

If you’re from Europe, traveling by train can be your option. The train is the best mode of transportation if you don’t have a car and want to travel around France. The French railways were known for their reliability, but delays seem to be more frequent now than in the past. Take advantage of the high-speed bullet train (TGV) when traveling long distances.

Keep Your Wallets Secured

If you’re traveling to Paris, given that it is such a popular destination for tourists, you must always keep your wallet and other essentials close to you. Pickpockets operating in the most popular tourist destinations are skilled at what they do. As a result, you should never put your wallet in the back pocket of your pants.

Consider places like the Louvre, subways, or other museums and restaurants. The best way to navigate in Paris is to carry a bag in front of you with all your valuables. It’s the safest and most prudent way to move throughout the city. That’s why Paris is not only known as the “city of love” but also a city where pickpockets are rampant!

Right Documents, Right Travel

Before taking off, ensure you have all your paperwork together.

You’ll need a current passport and, depending on where you’re from, a visa. Most travelers from countries outside the European Union require a visa to enter the country. In addition, make sure you’re up to date on the most recent Covid-19 rules and guidelines. For example, proof of immunization or a negative PCR test may be required.

As a precaution, purchase travel insurance before departing, and bring your policy information. Consider your health insurance alternatives and how you can live abroad if you’re considering residing in France.

Don’t Forget to Bring Adapters!

France, like most European countries, has adapters slightly different from those used elsewhere. The voltage in this area is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Because of this, you will need to bring an adapter with you.

Pick up a couple of these adapters at one of the many shops within the airport before departing for Paris. After all, maintaining your connection and keeping your electronic devices charged on the road is one of the most difficult challenges of traveling. Going there without one is inconvenient and should be avoided at all costs.

Keep an Open Mind to Cultural Differences and Enjoy Them

The country of baguettes and croissants may be known to all, but remember that not all countries have the same culture as where you live. That’s why allowing for changes is one travel hack you must prepare.

Learn a Bit of French

Unlike many other European countries, the French do not speak much English. If you still have time or are looking forward to your vacation to France, you might want to brush up on your French language skills. Learn essential French phrases and terminology before traveling to France. Some of the more complicated terms can be translated using a book or an offline app on a smartphone. If you have a French friend, then you’re lucky!

Prepare for the Cheese and Wine Duo

Do as the French do when you’re in France! One of the finest ways to taste French culture is by pairing cheese with wine. Local cafes and pubs in Paris serve a wide variety of wines. Generally, the more pungent cheese smells, the better it tastes. Start your French romance with wine pairings at some of the best restaurants in France!

Call 112 for Emergencies

112 is the emergency phone number in France and other European nations. Call immediately if you find yourself in a situation that could be life-threatening. Keep in mind that this number is functional on both landlines and payphones.

Alternatively, you can phone 15 for a medical emergency, 17 for the police, and 18 for a fire department. When traveling alone, it’s a good idea to list your emergency contacts in your phone or travel journal. It’s usually wise to carry emergency phone numbers while traveling in new and unfamiliar territory.

Pack for France!

A good rule of thumb is to pack only what is necessary and avoid unnecessary items that add weight to your luggage. Depending on where you’re going and when you’re going, you’ll want to bring different things.

Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothes and shoes. Make sure to include at least one lovely evening attire and a decent pair of shoes. You won’t be out of place whether you go to an expensive restaurant or the opera.

Organize Your Shopping Trip

You’ll probably want to look around the local shops while in France. Make sure you don’t miss out on the finest deals by finding out where the best shopping places are.

Paris is a paradise for boutiques, high-end shops, and national corporations, but shopping in France’s big cities is a joy in and of itself. In addition, if you venture further from the usual path, you may come across some locally produced handicrafts.

Find out what shopping options are available in the regions you intend to visit. Don’t forget to budget for the purchase! The high-end designer shops are also an excellent place to go window shopping.

Preparations for Money

With spending mentioned, consider if you will receive euros from a bank in your home country or whether you will use an automated teller machine (ATM) in France to withdraw cash. The vast majority of ATMs in France are compatible with cards from other countries (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, etc.).

Remember that you will be subject to a commission on each transaction if the currency of your bank or credit card account is not Euros.

France, a Dream Come True!

Traveling to this scenic country may be one of your bucket lists or a dream you want to chase. Preparations are a must to ensure that your trip to France is much more enjoyable! With any luck, these pointers will assist you in experiencing less stress and will make preparing your itinerary for France much simpler. Have a wonderful time in France!