Travel comes with many components, including flights, hotels, cuisine activities, adventure, and packing. Packing is inevitable, especially when you will be living in a new place for months. It is a way to bring pieces of where you come from with you and to prepare for what awaits you. I am by no means an expert packer—I admit I did not put a piece of clothing in my bags until the day before—but here are some tips on how to tackle your luggage.
Don’t feel under the weather.
Nice experiences mild temperatures with a spike in heat during the summer months. This realization prompted me to ditch a few pairs of shorts and fold up some lightweight sweaters. With the average forecast ranging from 40-70 degrees, layering is crucial.
Study the style.
Fashion varies wherever you go. It can be difficult to know what people wear, but you can take steps to ensure you only stick out in a good way. I gathered that most people do not wear sweatpants or athletic wear around town. Therefore, I limited the amount of these items and packed only a few college and local t-shirts for bed.
Don’t weigh down your suitcase.
You may want to shop when you are there for any items you need. It is better to pack less and have room for more of what you will cherish. In addition, you don't want to break your back hauling the bags on your flights. Take the items you wear most.
Be efficient.
Devote a separate space, like a room, to what you will put in your bags. Try not to deliberate. If you are unsure if you will wear it, then do not pack it. Put on music and make a list, cutting items that seem less essential.
Look at packing lists.
Having examples will frame your list. You can adapt it to your needs and style.
What Made My List:
Updated April 2019
- Short sleeve shirts (5)
- Tank tops (2)
- Long sleeve shirts
(2)(4) - Sweaters (
3) (5) - T-shirts (2)
- Cardigans (2)
- Jackets (3) - jean jacket, rain jacket, warmer coat
- Jeans (3)
- Dressier pants (2)
- Sweatpants (2)
- Socks (7)
- Undergarments (14)
- Swimsuit
- Business Attire (1 outfit)
- Tights
- Skirts (2)
- Comfy sweatshirts (2)
- Sandals
- Sneakers (2)
- Flats
- Boots
- Flip flops
Essentials
- converters (2)
- passport
- first aid kit
- sunglasses
- makeup
- medication
- water bottle
- earphones
- pen
- chargers
- backpack (I ended up using a bag for school and as a carry-on instead)
- weekend bag
- umbrella
- quality portable charger
- credit card with no transaction fees
Extras
- a notebook
- sentimental items
- a few of your favorite American snacks
What Not to Pack:
- school supplies (except maybe an agenda and a folder, easier to buy in Nice)
- toiletries (unless you have specific brands you need. you can find familiar products from brands like Neutrogena, Garnier, and L'Oreal in Nice)
- straightner/curler/blow dryer
- jean shorts
- bedding/towels (may be provided and easier to buy there)
- everything (leave a substantial amount of empty space in your suitcase!)
Safe travels and on to Nice!
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Emma Desjardin
<p>My name is Emma Desjardin and I'm traveling to Nice, France, but my French last name is spelled wrong. Desjardins translates to "of the gardens" but somewhere in the past I lost the "s" and my green thumb. I love language and am excited to write about my experiences. I hope that in my adventures abroad I can find myself and learn a little bit about where that "s'" went.</p>
