“The most memorable moments in life can be the ones you never planned” -Unknown
Planning!
Ashley remembers the day the Rick Steves’ package arrived in the mail. A Provence and the French Riviera Guide Book, the French Phrase Book & Dictionary, money belts, and more! Ashley had grand plans to take local classes for French I, reading up on all the cities, and studying the museums so she was familiar with the artists. Mike was researching his newest camera and in the midst of scheduling photography classes. Let’s fast forward to a few days before the trip and see what preparation really occurred.
The guidebooks may have just recently made their way out of the Rick Steves’ package they came in originally. Even though we had grandiose plans to be prepared, our text book dreams did not come to fruition. However, we did prepare from a wine consumption standpoint. We felt confident we could tell the difference between red and white varietals.
The guidebooks may have just recently made their way out of the Rick Steves’ package they came in originally. Even though we had grandiose plans to be prepared, our text book dreams did not come to fruition. However, we did prepare from a wine consumption standpoint. We felt confident we could tell the difference between red and white varietals.
We had heard from several sources that Rick Steves' Tours are physical, but fun! Therefore, it was determined this trip was not a runway, it was function over fashion (even though we were going to be in France!). As for packing, the one sticking point for us both was shoes. Mike’s conundrum was how many fluorescent shoes could fit in his suitcase. Mine was, walk the runway, or just be able to walk comfortably? Trip Tip - ~Bring your walking shoes so you can enjoy every step in comfort! |
The weather was supposed to be warm, the plane ride long, and company good. But what to pack?
Pinterest was searched for packing check lists, the Rick Steves’ Pre-Tour Planner was opened to its packing page, and Google was consulted for what it could offer under this topic as well. We packed items that were multi-purpose and claimed not to wrinkle. Our intention was to minimize laundry; we were only a 7 day trip. And it was likely you may see us in the same outfit more than once!
A few days out though we did try to pack and repack our bags. Continuing to add needed items, and trying to reduce and remove non essentials. Our goal was to leave enough room to return with any souvenirs from our memorable moments abroad.
Pinterest was searched for packing check lists, the Rick Steves’ Pre-Tour Planner was opened to its packing page, and Google was consulted for what it could offer under this topic as well. We packed items that were multi-purpose and claimed not to wrinkle. Our intention was to minimize laundry; we were only a 7 day trip. And it was likely you may see us in the same outfit more than once!
A few days out though we did try to pack and repack our bags. Continuing to add needed items, and trying to reduce and remove non essentials. Our goal was to leave enough room to return with any souvenirs from our memorable moments abroad.
Daily Snapshot
~Do practice your wine consumption in advance. We have no regrets there!
~We wished we had read through the Rick Steves’ materials in advance. Had we realized how everything in the French Riviera is connected by train, metro, or bus, we may have been more adventurous our first few days and seen a few more cities. |