Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.
~ Seneca
Okay, so it’s true. All true!
We leave for our family trip to France in just over a month! After spending the entire year looking ahead, the time has now come to get serious.
This means list making, packing, planning, renting obscene numbers of subtitled french films, and generally totally freaking out. We have precisely 21 sleeps to prepare for, and our stay will begin and end in Paris, which is so far my favorite place in the entire world.
My first visit was just two years ago, a quick 4 days there alone with my husband on a whirlwind first jaunt across the pond for me (my hubby visits Europe on business often and lived 3 years in France in his early 20′s).
I knew it would change my life, but I didn’t yet know just how much.
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.
~ Henry Miller
After a week in Paris, we’ll hit Beaune (in Burgundy wine country where the husband lived in the late 80′s) for a few days, and then cap off the holiday with a week in Provence (pinch me).
We are taking our two daughters, and at 14 and 8, they are not only excited, but also adding to the general feeling around here about, let’s say it again, generally totally freaking out. It’s a once in a lifetime trip for us as a family.
So how do we plan for a ‘less is more’ trip of this scale?
With all the thrill & excitement that comes from planning a huge trip like this, preparing for the sensory overload is key, and being realistic about how to handle it all is also just as key.
Here are a few things we’ll be doing to try to stay, and enjoy, each and every quality moment. I’d love to hear how you’d add to my list!
1. Pack light
Packing is a post in itself, and I may share more as we progress.
For now, we’ll begin the list making. As a family with at least one pro traveler (the husband), our philosophy on packing for air travel is simple. Light. Carry on if you can. For a trip of this length, we’ll be checking bags, but the goal is to bring only what we really need.
I’ll pack the usual leggings, a couple sweaters, a light rain jacket, one pair of jeans. A light summer dress or two, a bathing suit. Tank tops, shorts, lots of easy thin layers. Runners.
Plus, I need to leave room for (just a few) things I might acquire, right?
2. Eat in.
We’ve got apartments rented for both Paris and Provence, each for a week. This means market shopping!
This could be the thing I am most looking forward to, preparing salads and meals from simple market freshness, instead of relying on restaurants for all of our meals.
Dinner is always our highlight while on the road, and we plan to pick up breakfast and lunch snacks here and there as we crave them (honestly I could picnic on baguette and fresh fruit in the Luxembourg gardens everyday if I had my choice).
Simple, beautiful things excite me, and I cannot wait to live like a local in one of the most beautiful food countries in the world.
I just hope the purveyors at the market don’t mind my charming English.
A market shot in the Marais.
3. Take cash.
It’s no secret that I adore nice things, I am sure there are more than a few of you who are with me on that!
On my last trip to Paris, I didn’t shop all that much. Part of it was being overwhelmed. Another part of it was being with my husband (mine has about a 5 minute life span inside a women’s boutique). Another part of it was I waited until Sunday (for anyone who has been you know what I am talking about).
I left with a second-hand top and a trove of gorgeous memories. I’ve got zero complaints.
But this time, I am planning to treat myself to a few special things while I am there (insert justification here). To avoid over spending, I’ve been saving. I’m taking my spending money in cash. No secret credit cards. No regrets. Just fun.
4. The ‘one per day’ rule.
While not a big rule person, it is important when planning to not overwhelm the travelers. When planning, we’ve got a rule that we will focus each day on one major sight see, particularly in Paris. There is nothing worse than over planning and running out of time to see and do all the things you wanted ‘to check off’.
Want to feel like a failure? Over plan. I’m not competing with the clock am I?
After all, I don’t recall seeing the French rushing around trying to catch everything all at once. On my last trip, I noticed quite a few local folk with plenty of time to chill on a terrace, enjoy the company of friends, and enjoy a moment (or two) to relax.
So if we miss a line up at a museum and instead opt for a stroll through the Marais with an ice cream in hand, you won’t hear me complaining. I don’t think the kids will mind too much either 
5. Be here now.
Perhaps the single most important rule of all.
Planning such a big trip means spending a lot of money, and it is tempting to try to cram in too much. After all, you’ve got to get your money’s worth right?
As with anything in life, I try to see the beauty of the moment that is in front of me, and I want to teach my children to do the same. I know that the rooftop view from our apartment in Provence is likely to be one of the most beautiful things I could ever enjoy. I know there is a clean river to swim in nearby. I know there are markets and a whole town to explore.
My first ever meal in Paris. The Salad Nicoise. Veggie of course. And the waiter could not have been nicer!
This is where I’ll be instead of jumping in a hot car to drive to some other (equally spectacular) place. I don’t want to miss out on the moments and what is right in front of me, because I am seeking the ‘next big thing’.
So no matter where we are, that is where we will be.
Whether we are on the road to our next destination, or in the kitchen preparing a feast from our trip to the markets that day, that is where I will be.
With all my heart, my soul, and my mind.
Be Here Now.
~ Ram Dass, Be Here Now
With that, I’ve officially begun the countdown. It’s the start of summer, and the beginning of a truly special one.
I am overjoyed to share this experience with my family, and as I said earlier, a very special treat for all of us, as kids grow up. It’s not for forever these years, and they are both the perfect age.
My first visit to the Luxembourg inspired the digging up of my front lawn upon my return. Yes, I had gravel installed. The only thing missing is the guards.
I’d love to hear your tips on travel from a less is more perspective, and your special place in this world.
Spend the afternoon. You can’t take it with you.
~Annie Dillard
Mine is here, right now. But when I’m there, that’s where it will be. The memories of those moments will be with me and my loved ones forever. Wherever we may go in this life.
And that my friends, is the most special gift I can imagine. Right now. At this moment.
What’s yours?
Yours in Less,
The best rules of travel, summarized! I agree wholeheartedly, especially with #3.
Thank you for this lovely post (which also brought back memories of my trip to Paris this time last year).
Thanks Allison! You are going to laugh that I hit publish and got the numbers wrong, I’d love to know which was the one that resonated most (they are in order now
). Happy you enjoyed it – isn’t Paris amazing…
Ah, ok, I understand! I’ve done the same thing on many a blog post. Also when I said “especially #3,” that is now your #5: “Be here now.” A valuable rule in yoga and for travel!
And yes, I love Paris! I don’t speak French, and remember that being a challenge the first time I was there, like a decade ago, but last summer everyone was SO friendly and helpful– I didn’t at all get the rude or exasperated reactions to my baby French skills that I was expecting. Plus… the food. (…the main reason I travel.)
Yes the FOOD! I am with you as my french is brutal – I found that the locals were very accommodating and so long as I was up front and polite they did not seem to mind my english at all….and they all speak it well!
You are going to have a ball Shira – check out my recent post and join in with Paris In July.
Will do – thanks for the tip!
I love love love France. My parents took me to provence and paris when I was younger and it was sensational. My biggest travel tip when vacationing in europe is have a siesta! Organise some down time during the middle of the day so you can enjoy the festivities later on. This is especially important as many restaurants don’t open til much later. Takes lots of pics…can’t wait to hear more about the trip
Oh and the markets are beyond amazing aren’t they?!?! so jealous haha
LOVE this tip Sarah! A nap! One of the biggest luxuries in life, one that too often gets missed when trying to cram it all in. I am adding this to the list!
Can’t WAIT for the markets!
Visit the Musee d’Orsay – Monet, Manet, Reoir etc… The Mona Lise is in the Louvre. You should go and see the palace of Versailles which is nearby – it’s incredible. There are some great flea markets too.
Great tip! We are definitely planning a trip to Versailles – it is not to be missed! We did get to the d’Orsay last time and you are correct – one of the most beautiful museums out there! I think we are going to try the Louvre with the kids…wish us luck!
Super-duper fab, Shira! I love the visual elements of your post; it’s like we’ve already traveled there with you and you haven’t even left yet! ALOHA and safe and joyous travels to you and yours!
Thanks! I’ll be blogging when we are there too – so you can join us for the real thing too!
what a lovely post, it really made me wanna get up and drive straight to the airport! I love travelling and even more when you are with people you love. make sure you go to the restaurant “paradis du fruit”- it has amazing salads and even combos you can come up with yourself. you will love the place!
Thanks for the restaurant tip Alexia! We’ll go for sure – it sounds great! We are soooo excited to take the girls with us!
What a delight!
I’ve been to Paris last May for a 5 day trip with my sister. Can I suggest you a great thing? Take the Velib! We used it a lot and it is great to see the city by bike, really seeing it instead of closing you into the metro. There are bike lines all around the city and it really makes your trip unique.
And Provence…I just love it. I’ve been there twice, during hot Summer and I miss that atmosphere. I loved particularly Aix en Provence (they use to say it’s the Southern Paris) and Saint Tropez.
Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy!!!!
Thanks for the reminder about Aix en Provence – I have heard they have the the most spectacular markets there! We are also planning a quick night trip to see friends in St. Tropez – not to be missed (can’t wait)!
And the VELIB? Amazing! We spent 4 days riding around Paris two summers ago, it was incredible after 4 days on foot in London. It will be tough with the girls this time, but we will try to get out on our own a night or two – and bikes it is! Isn’t it just amazing?! Thanks for stopping in!!
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Chucks are the best sneaks.
Totally Lou! I always picture myself in fancy shoes…I’ve learned now you must pack the Chucks!
Have tons and tons of fun my friend
I am learning French for my senior years and all I wish for is to see the country!
I’m sure you will share experiences and photos!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks Uru! I will be blogging so stay tuned! It would be too much to compile afterwards..
Very nicely written as usual Shira! Have a great time, and enjoy the food and the wine bien sur!
Thank you Villy!
That brought back memories of Rome.We spent a week in Rome 5 years ago and rented an apartment while we were there. It was wonderful – shopping like the locals, just a hop, skip and jump from the Tiber river, Colosseum and the forum. We also spent a week on the Amalfi coast, two weeks in Tuscany and three days in Cinque Terre. I loved Italy but Rome was definitely my favourite. Enjoy Paris – it sounds wonderful.
Cathy
Thanks Cathy! It sounds like we travel similarly – nothing like living like a local! Italy is still on my list, your time there sounds magical!
a trip of a lifetime and you are planning it well – I am going to keep your tips in mind for my trip to Paris and France (which are still figments of my imagination at this point – so I will live through you)
Yes – thanks! I will keep everyone updated on how we are doing with it all
!
LOVE this post Shira. You’ve made me so excited about your trip… and I’m not even going on it! And I think ‘be here now’ is great advice. As a keen photog I am always stopping to take endless snaps of the same view/thing from a million angles – it drives my poor boyfriend insane – and I have to keep telling myself to stop and actually take stuff in with my eyes instead of through my camera! I always think of the lyrics to 3 X 5 by John Mayer… “Today I finally overcame
tryin’ to fit the world inside a picture frame”…
Thanks Tess! It can be so hard – especially as a photographer – to enjoy what’s happening and not try to ‘capture’ it all. It’s always a fine line, one that must be walked carefully! Thanks for the excitement..I can feel it from here!
What a lovely post Shira! It’s making me itch to travel again! I will always be the kind of person who wants to see more, as much as I love home.
You’ve got some great tips here- I especially love #5. It’s so easy to get trapped into thinking you have to rush around and see everything but you will have a much more rewarding experience if you just let things flow and stay in the moment. Only having one thing to do each day will help with that. I love just wandering around a new place when I visit. You get to see so much more!
I am a big one for packing light. My main thing is just make sure pretty much everything matches and can be paired with multiple things. That way you have a ton of outfits from a small selection of items! I never find this too hard since my whole wardrobe tends to match. I have a feeling you’re similar
I’m so excited for you! I have butterflies in my stomach
Thanks Gabby! It is coming up so quickly! I think we might be similar on the clothing thing..it’s pretty easy to match black with …. black, or white, grey, brown, and camel! It sure helps though and makes getting dressed a breeze!
I think we can do it…
We’ll see how we do on the being here now, it will be overwhelming, but traveling with an 8 year old will force it as we will need to be mindful of her stamina. I really want to avoid over stimulation, fatigue, and tears!
I have no doubt you can
Thanks girl
Enjoy your dream trip! I like the way you keep your expectations realistic and your one thing at a time rule. Your children must be so excited.
My dream trip is a trip to South Africa. I blame too many Bryce Courtenay and Wilbur Smith books. The husband is totally on board with it, so we just have to keep saving. We’ll get there..
South Africa – fabulous Heidi! You will get there, and it will be so worth it!
The kids are crazy excited, as are we, thanks!
I am so excited for you!! This is a perfect approach to vacation! I love the being here now, and the one place a day! I will be using these tips from now on!
Awesome Britt!! Follow along in August, I’ll let you all know how we make out!
What an amazing time you have planned and the perfect “frame of mind” you have going into it! I agree with you on experiencing & enjoying what is right in front of you versus always planning and rushing onto the next thing – when I travelled over to Fiji this was the best thing I did – took the time each day to enjoy my surroundings, nature and the locals – the locals were the BEST!
I cannot wait to hear all about your Market Adventures, for me this would probably be the highlight of the trip – insert a little envy
Have a safe and memorable trip Shira!
Thanks Heather!!! I’ll be sharing the best I can as we go – taking the computer as it would be too much to do upon the return
I’ll bring you along with me! xox
I’ve been to France a few times, but Provence is my favorite! The most recent time I was there, I was able to stay with my friend at his friend’s vacation home. We had a blast, exploring nearby towns, going to the market, making dinner at home. I love Antibes, Cannes, and if you have time, Monaco is amazing!
It sounds like you have an awesome trip planned- I can’t wait to hear all about it! I love step #5- it is such a great accomplishment to always be mentally where you are physically, and I love that you are making this a focus of your trip.
Monaco sounds amazing Kristy – and lucky you to have visited and to stay with a friend
Sounds awesome! We’ll do our best as it is very overwhelming to think of all the sights. The best one is always what’s right in front of me! (I think!) Thanks!! xox
Great Post – love the tips and photos:) Happy Monday!
Thanks Renee!
Oh, and isn’t the planning and anticipation of it half the fun? But you’re right: don’t plan too much.
Yes Michelle – it is pretty fun! So excited!
Thanks!
Happy post Shira! Enjoy the planning and less is definitely more
PS Don’t forget the travel insurance!
Thanks Marina! It’s all coming together now…pinching myself!
This sounds like such a wonderful family trip!! Your travel ideas are simply perfect – you and your family are sure to have a great memory making time.
I hope you take lots of pictures and I look forward to hearing about your adventures.
Thanks Shoes! Rest assured I’ll be blogging while I am there and plan on sharing lots!
Aaah, Shira, yet again, you have stated it perfectly. As I depart for a series of trips, starting in two days I will bookmark this post and refer to it for a voice of reason in the panic that often comes with quickly approaching travels. Thanks!
I hope it helps Meg – and BON VOYAGE, safe travels & wishing you loads of fun and adventure! Shira
Someday! I’ve never been to Europe (or Paris, obviously) but I have a brother who is now living in Switzerland so I’m running out of excuses! Fabulous Post!
Thanks! You must get thee to Europe – honestly – I waited until two years ago……seriously life changing!! Helps having family as a reason to go, y’ know?
Lucky you!
I just got back from Paris last night, Shira. I spent a lot of time alone there and I am in love with the city (I hadn’t been for twenty years). I was staying on the left bank just a stone’s throw from the Musee D’Orsay, overlooking the Seine. On my favorite day I took a long walk along the quays to St. Michel, lunched on bread, cheese and fruit in front of Notre Dame, wandered onto the Ile St. Louis for a bit, sketched and wrote upstairs at Shakespeare and Company and then did a cafe crawl in St. Germain de Pres. Later, I moved across the river and took a similar long ramble in the Marais. I agree — it is best not to plan too much into one day and to let surprises happen. My most useful garments were a knee-length sleeveless shift and a long black linen sleeveless jumper. If you have some pants that are lighter-weight than jeans, you might want to bring them instead: Paris was hot and humid this last week.
Sharyn – welcome back! Your whole account sounds just wonderful!! Thank you oh so much for sharing this with me – you must have had just the best time
A lovely view and a great location for walking. Isn’t the whole city just marvelous – had it changed much from the last you visited?
Great tips on the packing too – thank you – I’ll save the space and pack something lighter, so nice to hear the weather is at least summery (quite different from here so far). Baguette, cheese and fruit….I can taste it now
I had not been to Paris in twenty years and I stayed in Montmartre last time I was there. Although I had roommates for three or four days I spent most of my time alone. I am not sure how much Paris has changed, but I know that I have changed since I was last there. For one thing, I made a real effort to learn some simple French and used it everywhere. I was in awe of the beauty of the city and all the French do to keep it that way. My best advice: unless you are hiking all day and need a lot of supplies, carry a small bag or tote and leave anything large with your luggage: space between tables, aisles, streets is smaller in Paris than at home and backpacks block them. Wear your spiffiest, most comfortable shoes — the Parisians dress up their feet. You are going to have so much fun! Wish I could go back already (and I’ve only been home two days).
Great advice – thanks Sharyn! I’ve got my best sandals for walking and enjoying! I love how energized you sound – you’ll be sailing on this for a long time!! Post trip is always such a wonderful time! Yes, and the small bag – brilliance!
Love your post. See if you can find this book. It is a real inspiration for travel with kids.
Title: Adventuring with children : an inspirational guide to world travel & the outdoors AuthorJeffrey, Nan, 1949- Publisher:Avalon House Pub. ;Pub date:c1996.Pages:300 p. :ISBN:0962756245
Fabulous Joelle! I appreciate that – I’ll check this book out for sure, thank you!
Reblogged this on theavidpen and commented:
Note to self… follow these tips when I finally get to Paris… Someday!
How fantastic Shira! What a lovely trip to share with your family. I didn’t know you had two little gals…mine are 14 and 20. I’ve never been to Paris but both my girls have been and my oldest has been twice! Lol! They loved Paris and both want to return someday. Maybe they will take me with them.
Thanks Karista! Wow – your girls are the same age difference as mine! Too awesome, I love the dynamic with that 6 year gap! Yours NEED to take you to Paris, stat! You must go
One day!
Enjoy your time in France!
Bon séjour en France, amusez-vous bien
Thank you!
Shira this post is so wonderful! Many wonderful lessons for travelling…whether to Provence or elsewhere. I’ll have to live vicariously through your follow up posts when you’ve returned
For now, I’ll just have to plan a European themed picnic with Vince in wine country!
What fun! Enjoy these days of preparation (counting down “the sleeps,” as we do in our family, too) and the adventure itself. May it be delight and all the best kinds of planned and unexpected joy!
Thank you Ashley! We are loving every single ‘sleep’ that brings us closer….and documenting it all!
xox
Shira you will absolutely love France. I was lucky to live in Paris for a while and my in-laws live in Provence so we travel there often. It’s the simple things I love about Paris. You can walk almost everywhere and take in the most wonderful architecture, absorb the cafe culture and adpot the local habit of people watching. Be inspired by the sights, sounds and smells of the fabulous the fruit and veg.markets!
Thank you Jacqueline! We are so excited – stay tuned too as I plan to post from France as well – there will be too much to share!