If you’re thinking of heading off on holiday this winter, there aren’t many better options than heading to France. From wrapping up warm and taking a stroll along the Champs Elysees to view the Eiffel Tower in Paris, to catching some winter sun along the south coast there is so much to do in France this winter. So, if you’re convinced and ready to pack your bags here are a few key things to make sure you’re prepared for you visit.
Learn a few key phrases
If you don’t already know the language, make sure you learn a few key French phrases to help you along the way. French can be a tricky language for anyone, but basic phrases like hello, goodbye, and thank you are easy to learn and help to foster a good relationship with locals. If you do want to get more in-depth there are hundreds of translation apps that can be downloaded for free and used as you travel. All you need to do is simply type in your key phrase and the app then automatically translates it for you with an audio sample to make sure get the accent just right.
Decide how you will pay for things
Gone are the days when a trip to the travel agents to order foreign currency was a necessary part of your holiday preparations. Travellers would often need to take all their foreign currency with them (tucked away in a secret envelope at the bottom of a bag) and hope no issues arose that left them stranded in a foreign country with no money. These days it is a much smoother, and secure, process to ensuring you can buy things in a foreign country.
Contactless payments are now the norm across the developed world, and this is often the preferred route for travellers, particularly on short weekend trips. This is chosen for convenience but may not always be the smartest option as exchange rates can fluctuate, so always check with your bank before you go. There are also many online bank accounts available now, such as Revolut and Wise, that allow you to use your card in a foreign currency with no commission fees that can be a good option for savvy travellers.
With all that being said, however, it’s always a good idea to have a small amount of local currency with you when travelling abroad as a contingency for any small items you may need when you arrive. Whether it’s a few euros for a taxi to the hotel or simply a bottle of water from the corner shop, having local currency to hand can help to make your journey a breeze.
Check your weather
From the beaches of Normandy in the North to the French Riviera in the south, the climate can be remarkably different across the country. To make sure you pack the right clothing and are prepared for your visit it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast at your destination. You can easily use Goggle to search for the forecast, but more and more travellers are relying on weather forecast apps, such as accuweather, that can give you pinpoint information for your destination and can also be used easily when you arrive to make sure you stay one step ahead.
We have only looked at a few key considerations for travellers that are planning a trip to France this winter, but like any trip to a foreign country there can be so much to think about in the lead up. However, you can be safe in the knowledge that once you have all the essential items covered, you can relax and enjoy your weekend in France!