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Marseille Travel Checklist

Marseille Travel Checklist

Marseille Provence-alpes-cote Dazur, France Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

A chronological approach to planning makes managing the various tasks before your trip effortless.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Follow these steps for a well-organized journey.

1.

+ Months Before

Passport Validity

Ensure passport validity for six months beyond your Schengen Area departure date.

Visa Requirements

Determine if a Schengen visa is applicable to your nationality; begin the application process promptly.

Book Flights

Booking flights well in advance, especially for peak season, often yields better prices.

2.

Month Before

Itinerary Details

Confirm your daily itinerary, including specific attractions and tours you intend to reserve.

Driving Permit

If planning to rent a car, obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Bank Notification

Notify your bank and your credit card providers about your trip dates to avoid card blocks.

3.

Week Before

Confirm Bookings

Double-check flight times, accommodation reservations, and any pre-booked trips or things to do.

Medications

Pack essential prescription medications for your entire trip, alongside prescription copies.

Download Apps

Download navigation (Google Maps), public transport (RTM), and translation apps.

Pre-Trip Actions

Strategic bookings and home preparations ease your departure.

Required Advance Bookings

  • Flights and accommodation are main bookings.
  • High-speed TGV train tickets (especially Paris-Marseille) see benefit from advance booking.
  • Popular Calanques boat tours or specific museum entries also value advance booking.
  • Booking in advance can save time upon arrival.

Home Preparation

Proper home arrangements bring peace of mind during your journey.

Before Your Departure

  • Secure your home by locking doors and windows.
  • Arrange for pet care if needed during your absence.
  • Suspend mail or newspaper deliveries.
  • Notify trusted neighbors or friends of your travel plans.

Pre-trip Research & Accessibility

In-depth knowledge and accessibility checks craft a smoother journey.

Destination Knowledge

  • Read up on Marseille's history and local customs.
  • Familiarize yourself with current events.
  • Understand the public transport system and routes.
  • Basic French phrases prove useful.

Communication & Connectivity

  • Research international roaming or local SIM/eSIM plans.
  • Plan for internet access upon arrival.
  • Ensure you possess appropriate travel adapters.
  • Power up all your devices before departure.

Accessibility Considerations

  • Check accessibility for certain attractions beforehand.
  • Le Panier's steep, narrow streets challenge mobility issues.
  • Newer city parts and modern transport display more accessibility.
  • Contact the tourist office for detailed accessibility resources.

Important Travel Insurance Reminder

Acquire comprehensive travel insurance, such as from World Nomads, to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.

Arrival & Departure

The first moments in a new city and final preparations are for smooth travel.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Clear Immigration

    Have your passport and visa (if applicable) ready for customs and immigration.

  • 2
    Collect Luggage

    Retrieve your checked bags from the baggage claim.

  • 3
    Locate ATM for Initial Cash

    Withdraw some Euros from an ATM at the airport or train station for immediate expenses.

Orientation Strategies

  • Get Your Bearings

    Use your navigation app (Google Maps) to gain a bearing of your location relative to your accommodation.

  • Public Transport Access

    Identify the nearest public transport stops (metro, bus, tram) to your accommodation.

  • Essential Services

    Locate nearby essential services like a pharmacy or grocery store.

Departure Preparation

Souvenir & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs a few days before your departure to avoid last-minute rush.

If you plan to ship large purchases home, arrange this well in advance.

VAT Refund Procedures

Ask for a "détaxe" form at the point of purchase for eligible items.

At your final EU departure point, present the form, passport, and unused goods at customs.

Pre-departure Timing

Allow ample time to reach the airport or train station, especially during peak hours.

Arrive early for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening, exclusively for international flights.

Final Travel Check

Confirm your return flight details, ensure your luggage complies with airline baggage rules, and keep all travel documents easily accessible.

Return Trip Preparation

Marseille offers diverse experiences, making each visit unique and memorable.

Departure Logistics

  • Confirm your return flight details or train schedules.
  • Ensure your luggage complies with airline baggage rules (weight, dimensions).
  • Keep all travel documents (passport, boarding pass) easily accessible.
  • Maintain enough local currency for your final transport and last-minute expenses.

Last-Minute Essentials

  • Plot the most efficient route to the airport or train station.
  • Ensure all electronic devices are fully charged.
  • Upload digital copies of important documents to a secure cloud service.
  • Email digital copies of documents to yourself.

Financial Reminders

Manage your finances wisely for a smooth departure.

Money Matters

  • Check your foreign currency balance.
  • Confirm any pending payments for accommodations.
  • Account for last-minute purchases.
  • Review your total trip budget.

Digital Readiness

  • Ensure your international roaming or local SIM is active until departure.
  • Confirm all electronic devices are fully charged.
  • Back up any new photos or memories to cloud storage.
  • Verify flight status for any last-minute delays or changes.

Final Countdown

A thorough final check for your return journey mitigates last-minute stress.

This preparation helps ensure a calm and pleasant departure from Marseille.