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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Alsace And Lorraine, France

Spring & Autumn Attire

Layers work for these shoulder seasons. Mornings and evenings can be cool, while afternoons may be mild.

Packing Essentials

  • Base Layers: Long-sleeved shirts and comfortable t-shirts.
  • Mid-Layers: Sweaters, cardigans, or fleece jackets work well.
  • Outerwear: Light jacket, trench coat, or medium-weight waterproof shell for showers.

Summer & Winter Attire

Prepare for warm to hot summers and cold, potentially snowy winters.

Seasonal Choices

Footwear Recommendations

Walking Shoes

Comfortable, supportive Walking shoes or sneakers for extensive walking on cobblestone streets. Good cushioning for city exploration.

Year-round use

Winter Footwear

If visiting in colder or snowy months, Waterproof boots with good grip. These provide warmth and prevent slips on icy surfaces.

For cold/snow

Dressier Shoes

A pair of dressier shoes for evenings out or special occasions. Consider smart-casual European style.

For evenings

Essential Documents

Useful Travel Papers

Keeping your documents organized and secure is a top priority for international travel.

  • Passport and Visa: Original passport with sufficient validity (3 months beyond Schengen departure). All visa documents if applicable.
  • Travel Insurance: Policy number and emergency contact. Print a copy, save a digital version.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If driving and domestic license is not in French or English.
  • Health Documentation: Vaccination records and doctor's note for chronic conditions/medications.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of accommodation, flights, train tickets, and pre-booked tours.
  • Emergency Contacts: Physical list of family, friends, and local emergency numbers (112, 17, 18, 15).
  • IDs for Discounts: Student/Senior/Press IDs for potential discounts.
  • Document Safekeeping: Store digital copies on your phone and in a cloud service.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay charged and connected during your trip.

Essential Gear

  • Power Adapter: France uses Type E/F sockets (230V, 50Hz). A Universal travel adapter is ideal.
  • Mobile Phone: Unlocked phone for local SIM cards (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom) or consider ESIMs.
  • Portable Chargers: A Power bank keeps devices charged, especially for navigation and photos.

Photography & Navigation

Capture memories and navigate with ease.

Recommended Tools

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox to back up photos and digital copies of important documents.

VPN Service

For secure internet access on public Wi-Fi. Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Offline Access

Download maps and translation packs for offline use, especially in areas with limited connectivity.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked personal health kit for minor ailments.

Kit Contents

  • Basic First Aid Kit: Pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, bandages, blister plasters.
  • Prescription Medications: In original labeled containers with documentation. Enough for your trip.
  • Over-the-Counter: Cold/flu remedies, allergy medication, antacids.

Sun & Insect Protection

Guard against sun exposure and insects, especially during warmer months.

Protection Essentials

General Hygiene & Comfort

Personal Hygiene Essentials

  • Travel-sized toiletries are practical for the initial days.
  • Standard toiletries are widely available in local supermarkets and pharmacies.
  • No need for water purification; tap water is safe.

Comfort during travel

  • Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs for long journeys.
  • Consider items that enhance relaxation during travel segments.
  • These items contribute to comfort on flights or trains.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & Cycling

For day trips to the Vosges mountains or extensive cycling.

Winter Sports

If you extend your trip to nearby Vosges mountains for skiing or snowboarding.

  • Appropriate Sports gear (bring or rent).
  • Warm layers.
  • Waterproof outer shells.
  • Goggles.

Rent vs. Bring

Decision points for optimizing luggage and avoiding fees.

  • Bicycles: Easily rented in Strasbourg (Vélhop, private shops).
  • Ski gear: Available for rent at resorts in the Vosges.
  • Consider renting larger items to save luggage space.
  • Avoid airline fees for bulky equipment.

Smart Packing Choices

Benefits of Renting Locally

  • Reduces luggage weight and size.
  • Avoids airline baggage fees for oversized items.
  • Access to well-maintained, destination-specific gear.
  • Supports local businesses.

Considerations for Bringing Your Own

  • Familiarity with your own equipment.
  • Cost of rental over extended periods.
  • Availability of specific sizes or models locally.
  • Personal preference for specialized gear.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Items

Enhance your comfort and keep belongings secure.

Essential Travel Aids

Reusable & Region-Specific

Sustainable choices and local necessities.

Smart Choices

  • Reusable Items: Water bottle, Shopping bag, Utensils.
  • Region-Specific: A foldable umbrella for unpredictable weather.
  • A Compact daypack for daily essentials.
  • Specific brands or dietary items may be harder to find; bring if essential.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Refill for free, reduce plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Useful for markets, avoids plastic bag fees.

Reusable Utensils

For street food, avoids single-use plastics.

E-reader / Tablet

Reduce paper consumption for guidebooks/reading.

Destination-Specific Items

Alsace Region Specific

  • Small wine opener if visiting vineyards.
  • Foldable cooler bag for local produce or cheese from markets.
  • A Travel camera for picturesque towns.

General Travel Comfort

  • Universal sink stopper for handwashing clothes.
  • Compression packing cubes to organize luggage efficiently.
  • Small sewing kit for minor clothing repairs.

Packing Smart Advice

Pack versatile items that can be mixed and matched. Prioritize lightweight fabrics that dry quickly.

Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles. Consider a capsule wardrobe approach.