Traveling to Paris is a dream trip for many, but getting the right gear is key to ensuring you have a great time in this beautiful city. Here are the travel gear you must have when visiting Paris:
Lightweight backpack or handbag
Choose a backpack that is lightweight and roomy to carry your essentials like a water bottle, camera, map, and rain gear. Or choose a stylish tote that can hold your belongings while matching Paris’ chic vibe.
There are several ways to purchase a lightweight backpack or tote:
Brick and mortar stores: You can go to your local outdoor, travel, or department store where you can find a variety of different brands and styles of backpacks or totes. Buying in-store allows you to try on the backpack or tote in person to make sure the fit, comfort, and quality are what you want.
Online shopping websites: Many online shopping websites, offer a wide variety of backpacks and handbags options. You can browse different brands and styles of products on these sites and use the filters to find a lightweight backpack or tote that fits your needs. During the shopping process, be sure to check product descriptions, measurements, and reviews to ensure the product you choose meets your expectations.
Official websites of professional outdoor products brands: Many well-known outdoor products brands, such as North Face, Columbia, Mountaineer, etc., have their own official websites, where you can find their latest product information and purchasing options. By visiting the official website, you can directly purchase high-quality lightweight backpacks or handbags recognized by the brand, and enjoy the after-sales service and warranty policies provided by the brand.
Second-hand markets or second-hand exchanges: If you have a limited budget or are not interested in buying a brand new product, you can try looking for a lightweight backpack or handbag on second-hand markets or second-hand exchanges. Many people may sell their second-hand travel bags, and you can find affordable and good-quality second-hand products on these platforms.
Travel Gear Rental Services: If you only need temporary use of a backpack or handbag, you may also consider rental services. Some travel gear rental companies offer backpack and tote rentals in a variety of sizes and styles, allowing you to rent a backpack or tote that fits you for the time period you need.
No matter which purchase option you choose, make sure the backpack or tote you choose fits your needs and budget and is of good quality, comfortable and durable.
Comfortable walking shoes
Exploring the city in Paris involves a lot of walking, so choosing a pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. This way you can easily travel through the streets and sights of Paris without feeling uncomfortable.
Tips for walking in the Paris city:
Walking is the best way: Paris is a beautiful and vibrant city, and walking is one of the best ways to explore the city. You can stroll along the Seine River and admire famous attractions such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, while also feeling the charm and atmosphere of the city.
Wear comfortable walking shoes: Since the streets of Paris are mostly cobbled, it’s important to wear comfortable walking shoes. Choosing shoes with good cushioning and support can reduce discomfort and improve your comfort and experience during long walks.
Avoid rush hours: Traffic in Paris is relatively congested during morning and evening rush hours, so try to avoid traveling during these times to avoid being affected by traffic obstructions and congestion when walking. Choose to travel during off-peak hours in the morning or afternoon to better appreciate the city’s beauty and culture.
Pay attention to safety: When walking in Paris, pay special attention to pedestrian traffic rules and safety awareness. Keep yourself and others safe by obeying traffic signals and being aware of your surroundings, especially at busy intersections and crosswalks.
Tips for buying sneakers:
Choose the right style: When buying sneakers, choose the right style based on your activity type and needs. If you mainly do city walking and sightseeing, it may be more appropriate to choose casual sneakers or walking shoes that are suitable for walking.
Trying on is key: When buying sneakers, be sure to try them on yourself and walk around to test the comfort and fit of the shoes. Make sure your shoes fit well and are friction-free to avoid discomfort during long walks.
Consider support and cushioning: For city walking, it’s especially important to choose shoes with good support and cushioning. These features take pressure off your feet and reduce fatigue, making your walking experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
When to buy: If possible, it’s best to buy sneakers in the afternoon or evening. Because your feet are usually slightly swollen during this time of day, make sure the shoes you choose are in the most comfortable condition possible.
Brand and quality: Choose sneakers from a well-known brand and made of high-quality materials. Although the price may be slightly higher, the quality is usually more reliable, the comfort is higher, and the service life is longer. At the same time, be careful to buy genuine products and avoid buying fake and shoddy products.
Light rain gear
Although the weather in Paris is usually pleasant, sudden showers may occur. For unexpected situations, bring a folding umbrella or a waterproof jacket to stay dry and comfortable.
Portable chargers and adapters
You’ll take many beautiful photos while visiting Paris, so be sure to bring a portable charger to ensure your phone and camera are always charged. Also, remember to bring an adapter to use local sockets in Paris.
Portable power bank:
Portable power bank is one of the necessary charging tools when traveling. You can use a power bank to charge mobile phones, tablets, cameras and other devices when their power is low, ensuring that your devices always stay charged, especially during long journeys or in places without power sockets.
Multifunctional charger:
It is convenient to carry a multi-function charger that can charge multiple devices at the same time. Choose a charger with multiple USB sockets so that you can charge multiple devices such as mobile phones, tablets, cameras, etc. at once, reducing the number of charging devices and saving space.
Adapters and conversion plugs:
If you’re from a country with different power sockets than Paris, it’s essential to bring adapters and converters. The adapter converts your charger plug to a standard Paris socket type, ensuring that your charger can be used properly in Paris power sockets.
Car charger:
If you plan on renting a car and driving around Paris, it’s useful to bring a car charger with you. The car charger can charge mobile phones and other devices while you are driving, ensuring that your devices remain charged while driving. It can also provide continuous power support for navigators and other devices.
Other charging cables and adapters:
Don’t forget to bring any other charging cables and adapters you need for your device. For example, iPhone charging cable, Android charging cable, camera charging cable, etc., as well as corresponding adapters. This ensures that you can provide charging support for various types of devices.
By bringing these charging tools with you, you can ensure that your electronic devices are always charged during your trip to Paris, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant travel experience while avoiding the inconvenience of low battery.
Maps and Navigation Apps
While Paris has many amazing sights to see, it can sometimes be easy to get lost. To avoid taking the wrong turn, bring a map and navigation app to help you find your destination and plan your trip.
When traveling in Paris, maps and navigation tools are great tools for exploring the city. Here are some suggestions for using maps and navigation:
Use paper maps:
Prepare a map in advance: Before departure, you can get a paper map of Paris in advance, or buy a Paris travel guide in a travel bookstore. This way you can easily view city maps and plan your trip without an internet connection.
Mark attractions and destinations: Mark the attractions, restaurants, hotels and other destinations you plan to visit on the map to quickly locate and navigate during your trip. You can use different colored pens or labels to differentiate between different types of places.
Familiarize yourself with map logos: Before using paper maps, make sure you are familiar with the logos and symbols on the map so that you can find the information you want faster, such as subway stations, parks, museums, etc.
Use e-navigation apps:
Download offline maps: Before traveling in Paris, you can download a navigation application that supports offline use, such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, etc. This way you can navigate using pre-downloaded maps even without an internet connection.
Enter your destination: Enter the destination you want to go to in the app, and the system will plan the best route for you and provide navigation guidance. You can choose different navigation modes such as walking, taking public transportation or driving.
Take advantage of real-time traffic information: Some navigation apps provide real-time traffic information, which can help you avoid traffic jams and choose faster driving or walking routes. This saves time and reduces inconvenience during travel.
Pay attention to positioning accuracy: When using electronic navigation, pay attention to positioning accuracy, especially in urban areas with dense buildings. Always pay attention to the consistency between the location shown on the map and the actual location to avoid taking the wrong route.
Whether you choose to use a paper map or an electronic navigation app, be sure to familiarize yourself with its use before traveling and use it as needed. Maps and navigation tools help you explore Paris more easily and discover the beauty and charm of the city.
Light snacks and water bottles
While visiting Paris, you may feel hungry or thirsty. So bring some light snacks and a bottle of water to replenish energy and hydration when needed.
Multifunctional travel tool
Some versatile travel tools, like a Swiss Army Knife or a multifunctional keychain, may come in handy while traveling. These tools can be used to solve some unexpected situations or emergencies.
Lightweight coin purse
You may need to use cash when shopping or dining in Paris. Therefore, bring a lightweight coin purse to hold your change and small currencies.
The importance of a small coin purse when traveling cannot be ignored. It plays many important roles during travel:
Convenient payment for small consumption:
A small coin purse can be used to store change and small amounts of currency, making it convenient for you to pay for small purchases during travel, such as buying a cup of coffee, taking public transportation, buying souvenirs, etc. This can avoid frequent withdrawal of large banknotes, reduce the trouble of making change, and improve payment efficiency.
Store change safely:
During travel, you often encounter situations where you need to use change, such as tipping, buying street food, etc. Storing change in a small coin purse can prevent loose change from being scattered in pockets or bags, reducing the risk of losing or forgetting change.
Facilitate recording of sporadic expenses:
A small coin purse makes it easier to record odd expenses, such as spending on small items or tips while traveling. This helps you better control your travel budget, avoid unnecessary expenses, and keep your finances clear and transparent.
Adapt to different payment scenarios:
In some cases, especially when traveling to remote areas or small shops or markets, it may be inconvenient to use credit cards or large banknotes. At this time, a small coin purse becomes particularly important, which can help you complete payments smoothly and carry out shopping or transactions smoothly.
Respond to emergencies:
Keeping some spare change in a small coin purse can play an important role in emergencies. For example, if your credit card doesn’t work or you need to pay for something unexpected, having spare change can provide you with emergency support and avoid embarrassment or inconvenience.
To sum up, a small coin purse plays an important role in travel. It not only facilitates the payment of small amounts of consumption, but also improves payment efficiency and ensures payment security. It also helps record expenses and respond to emergencies. Therefore, it is a wise choice to bring a small coin purse with you when traveling.
By preparing these must-have travel gear, you can easily explore Paris’ beautiful attractions and have an enjoyable travel experience. Remember to adjust your outfit according to the season and your personal preferences to ensure your time in Paris is unforgettable!
