It's time. My husband and I need to be out of our house in a week-and-a-half in advance of our year-in-Paris adventure, which starts in January. Right now we're tossing stuff at our three suitcases before sorting it out later this week.
To all you France gap-year/expat folks: which of the following is easily/cheaply available in Paris so I don't need to pack a years' worth of them? The list, um, is loaded with clues about our ages. Suffice it to say, none of these items were on the six-month bike trip we took to Europe decades ago. I seem to remember asking for Vaseline, which was behind the counter, way back when. My husband keeps saying: "Paris is not a third-world city." And I keep answering: "I bet drugstore reading glasses like the ones I have will cost a hundred euros."
This is so embarrassing, but here goes my AARP list:
Floss Lubricant eye drops "Drug store" reading glasses Vitamins, especially Calcium and D (that would me "moi" Fosamax defector) Cheap sunglasses that do have UV protection
Floss is available, but depending on the kind you like, you may want to bring it with you. I just picked up 4 packages of my husband's favourite brand in Toronto last month.
''Drug store glasses'' to magnify text are indeed available - I am currently wearing one of several pairs. Either in the pharmacie or the Optician, about 15 Euros.
Vitamins are hard to find here, and are expensive. Another thing I often bring back, big bottles of vitamins - they sell them in little packs here.
I can't answer for all your list, but I can say that dental floss -- fil dentaire -- is available but might be expensive. If there's a brand you prefer (some need Glide, for example), I'd say bring a supply. It's light and easy to pack.
In general, non-prescription drugs are more expensive in France than in the U.S. Aspirin is a prime example. I always bring back a supply of aspirin, Rolaids, ibuprofen, over-the-counter allergy medications, and a favorite anti-perspirant (is this getting too personal?) when I come "home" from a trip to the U.S. I would expect that vitamins and eye drops would be less expensive in the U.S. and that it would be worth it for you to bring those with you.
I don't know about reading or sun glasses, but since there are no American-style drugstores in France I'd be surprised if they were similarly available here.
Merci. Your responses are very helpful. I'll add Ibuprofen and a few other OTC items to the packing. Glad to know the magnification glasses are available. I ordered a bunch of free ones, but they go astray.. . or my eyes worsen. Thanks aain.
Floss Lubricant eye drops "Drug store" reading glasses Vitamins, especially Calcium and D (that would me "moi" Fosamax defector) Cheap sunglasses that do have UV protection
you will find all of that here, bit expensier than in the US. Unlike the US, you will need to ask for them as they are usually behind the counter, especially the vitamins ,and lubricant eye drops.
Yesterday my mother needed talc, (powder) a la Johnson & Johnson kind;she went in did not see it ,did not buy it (mom speak english and spanish only), I went today ask and got a bottle for 3 euros.
I don't know specifically about Paris, but my husband Charley buys "drugstore glasses" and sunglasses in Provence all the time. At the big outdoor markets in Provence you can find these for 5 euro. This would be in the "flea market" section of a market, selling to locals (not tourists). All three of us have bought several watches at these markets, also for 5 euro each.
Maybe someone more familiar with Paris knows where you can find similar flea market things.
I would bring vitamins from home too. But don't feel you need to bring a year's supply-- a friend or fellow Slow Traveler could bring you replenishments. Every friend that came to visit us in Europe brought us something we needed from home!
Deciding to take a gap year can be difficult. If you decide to travel, you may need to save up for a time first to finance the trip and arrange for money to be available while you're away. There are many ways to do this, but a credit card or international debit card are the most common. Also consider how you'll keep in contact with family and friends back home; most countries have internet cafes and phonecards so you can se these, or you may decide to take a laptop and use wireless internet points which are usually available in hostels and guesthouses.
--
It's good practice to carry copies of important documents such as visas, passports and medical records in a different place to the originals. Give copies to family and friends before you leave, and even email them to yourself. Carry contact numbers and addresses for the British Embassies in each country you visit. Research local customs before you go, to make sure you won't run into any unnecessary trouble with the locals.
When packing for a gap year trip the key word is 'light'. You'll be tempted to take along every little thing you think you may need, but in fact most things will be available for purchase along the way. A good rule of thumb is to take enough for the first month and stock up during that time. The most important things to pack are your passport and other documents, credit/debit cards or travellers cheques, change of clothes and suncream/insect repellent. Toiletries are available in handy travel-sized bottles so take a few of these with you, but refrain from taking razors and aerosols without checking with the airlines first. It may be easier to just buy some disposable razors in each country than trying to argue with an airline. If you're taking any electrical equipment with you it's a good idea to buy a worldwide travel adapter plug, which is lightweight and can be used in most countries.
Finally, before you go, see your doctor or pharmacist about vaccinations. Take a list of all the countries you plan to visit so they will be able to tell you if there are risks present, and how much treatment you'll need for the whole trip.
