I have been trying to write a France recap but I did so much that I have been struggling to get it just right. So, I am starting with how a prep for international travel. Just taking it one step at a time here!

Research it

For France, I Googled the areas I would be in and the things to do and see there. Duh, it’s obvious but important. Additionally, I still like to check out travel books (old school) and Rick Steves is the man when it comes to showing us the ins and outs of things that are popular as well as off the beaten path. His website is also packed with good info.
 

Learn the language

I learned as much French as I could on Duolingo before I took off. French is a complex language. It is intimidating and I am kind of tone deaf (or so I have been told), which makes it a bit harder to mimic languages. However, practicing the language makes it easier to read and figure out where I am going. Reading is the majority of what I did while I was there anyway. Aside from ordering café au lait and saying hello and thank you, I did very little French speaking.

I did the same when I went to Copenhagen a couple years ago. Having some key words and phrases in your repertoire is huge. I had to take the train to a bus to get to my AirBnb and being able to read all of the signage made all of that way easier.

The other reason that I like to learn as much as possible is because it is my way of honoring the people I meet and the culture that I will be immersed in. It’s a way of showing that I care. That’s just me. If you don’t want to learn the language - no harm, no foul - it’s true that most people speak English wherever you go, especially in the tourist areas.
 

YouTube it

I like YouTube because you get to see what you’re in for. There are so many great YouTube channels, Damon and Jo are my favorite. They are super well traveled and they have a million great tips and tricks.

Before left for France, I watched every video that Damon and Jo have on Paris. I think this is the thing that helped the most. I knew more of what to expect and how to politely approach people, which is a thing, especially in France.

My takeaway from that was how important it is to remember your manners when traveling but also remember that in America we are pretty uncivilized. If I were to give a travel tip, it would be to research the manners and customs of the country you are going to, because our manners are not their manners, ya dig?
 

Little but important things

1. Tell the bank where I’m going
2. Send itinerary to Mom
3. Check my phone plan
4. Get some pocket money in the currency of my destination
5. Create spreadsheet packing list
6. Pack and then remove 25% of what I packed because I always over pack at first

This is also how I generally prepare for a domestic trip as well. Minus the language learning and money converting.

Stay tuned! My post about France is on deck!