Embarking on a journey to France can be quite challenging. But this doesn’t mean that it is impossible. For a successful trip, you need to put some things in order and make the necessary arrangements to avoid the last-minute rush. Below is a comprehensive list of how to plan for your ideal trip to France. Make sure you follow everything keenly. While doing so, keep in mind that the more you prepare, the higher the chances you get to enjoy your trip.

Get the necessary documents

passport

Before you think of coming up with an itinerary, you need to make sure that you have all the required documents you require to travel. The good news is that France is a Schengen country. It means that citizens from any country that is in the European Union as well as other EEA countries have the right to enter France and stay for a period of their liking as long as they have a valid passport or identity card. Other citizens, however, have to follow the traveling protocols, and this can be quite hectic. If you have a US diplomatic transport, you need to obtain a France Schengen Visa before your arriving in France. For you to get a Schengen Visa, you need to have a valid passport that has been active for the past 3 months.

Know what to pack

luggage

One of the few things that any France travel planner can testify is that knowing what to pack is very important. One of the main things that should influence your packing is the season you are planning to visit. This information is what can help you know whether you need light clothes or heavy clothes. Come up with a list of all the places you wish to go to. By doing so, you get to know which clothes to pack and which ones you shouldn’t. But then, regardless of the season, make sure you pack lightly. You can go for carry-on luggage, a backpack, a weekender bag or a duffel bag. You can also go for a satchel if you want something that is easy to carry while holding more items at the same time.

Come up with a list of places you want to visit

map-of-the-world

You don’t just board a flight without a plan. You need to know which places in France you are to visit. Take your time and research more about these areas. What time do they open? How do you access them, and are there any charges? Take the number of days you are going to stay and divide it among the places you come up with. It is the only way you get to save time and remain on schedule. Otherwise, if you get to France without a plan, you are certainly going to have a hard time choosing which of the many destinations you are going to visit. And once you visit stunning spots, don’t forget to grab a carte a gratter to check these places off your bucket list.

Arrange for your accommodations

hotel

France is a European country. It means that booking hotels pre-visit is possible. The first thing you do once you land in France is check in to your favorite hotel and make sure the accommodations are exactly what you expect. Remember, this is a place you are going to stay for the next couple of days, and so the room must be comfy, the bed lovely, and the finishing is excellent. Once you finish confirming the suitability of the place, you can now start visiting all the attractions on your list. You can also make pre-arrangements on sites such as TripAdvisor. You can also book an Airbnb if you want adequate privacy.

Decide when to go

Deciding the appropriate time to go to France is significant. It is because the country is trendy, and it is ever crawling with people. But then, you can do your research and find out which times of the year it is best to visit the country. The choice you make should depend on the places you are planning to visit and the city you are planning to stay in. It is a very crucial step for anyone planning a trip to France. For instance, the North of Paris is usually busy every early summer and late spring. So if you dislike places that are full of people, you should avoid those times and instead go during the fall.

Communication

communication

The first thing to do before you visit a foreign country is learning some basic phrases in their language. You never know what may happen. The chances are that you can get slightly lost, and since you have no idea where to go, using some of those phrases to ask for directions can come in handy. Don’t assume since French people are taught English at some point in school that they can speak fluently. There is a probability that some of them don’t know a phrase or two. The only thing you have to do is make an effort to learn their language. It is an essential technique to blend with them and be on the right side in case of anything. Some of the basic phrases include salute for hi, Mon nom est John or My name is John and Puis-je demander un itinéraire? for, can I ask for directions?

Any trip to France becomes nicer if you start early preparations and you make necessary plans. Some of the essential things to do consist of getting your travel documents, have your medical insurance cover and book your hotel early. Once you do so, other things fall into place easily. You must remember to pack light for you to enjoy the most from your trip.