Ah, 1997. Such a good year.
I was going to try to craft some narrative here, winding up to the big reveal: I AM TAKING THE CHILDREN TO FRANCE, but ever since buying les billets (tickets, I think, or maybe brochures) I can’t form normal sentences. I wind up flapping my arms and shimmying and FRANCE FRANCE FRANCE.
This October, I and three international children of mystery, coming to a France near you. Ages 4, 8, 10, and I Beg Your Pardon, Sir, a Lady Does Not Reveal Her Age.
Because there was a fare sale, and a couple of friends avec floor space, and just enough in the slush fund to go do something amazing, we are going to spend two weeks in Paris, Lyon, and the surrounding areas.
I used to be so chic.
Now I am no le spring chicken when it comes to France: I spent a formative four days in Paris in 1997, just enough time to try on some comical hats and become obsessed with going back. I may or may not have allowed my nostalgia to cloud my judgment when purchasing intercontinental airfare for a child who just graduated from diapers, but what’s life for if not adventures?
I ask you now, readers, to help me find non-frumptastic travel-friendly clothing, activities for small children on the airplane, the perfect carry-on, all at rock-bottom prices. Or really, I just posted this to say: FRANCE!
I was thinking about investing in a travel vest , per The Catholic Traveler, but…I am uncertain. It seems extremely efficient for being hands-free to grab the kids’ hands, but at the same time perhaps lacks the je ne sais quois I am seeking as I procrastinate by googling “best shoes Europe travel” and “scarf France.”
Do I speak French? Do I speak French? I am not even going to dignify that question with un answer because…I speak just enough French to remember random words when I’m trying to speak Spanish, and vice versa. This may or may not pose unique challenges abroad. I am counting on the peanut gallery to provide distraction:
QUICK KIDS! CREATE A DIVERSION
The one majorly crummy thing is that my husband won’t be able to join us this time, but who knows: we may just have to go back next year!
That is, if we are not banned from air travel after this little experiment.
When I travelled with my mother and other family members to Britain at seven, we took a travel version of chutes and ladders. It involved magnets rather than pixels because it was the 80s, plus it was snakes and ladders (the British version). I imagine it was the multicultural flair and my own childhood sophistication that made it such a hit.l
Yeah, I actually am looking for low-tech distractions, because although my older two can sit engrossed in screens for an indefinite amount of time, it always leaves them cranky and spaced-out. And the youngest needs very hands-on stuff, definitely. I am a big fan of modeling beeswax but it was pointed out to me that it’s not that different from plasticene and might – MIGHT – raise eyebrows with the TSA.
How fun and exciting that you are going to FRANCE!!
This is very old school (my youngest is 24), but for years our favorite travel toys were the Uniset reusable sticker sets. Back in the day they were just a stiff folder and some vinyl stickers. They came in a variety of very fun themes, and they kept my children entertained for hours on trips for a good number of years. http://www.uniset.com/
My girls were a little older than yours when we took them to Scotland, and the single best thing we did was have them keep travel journals. No doubt you’re all over this, because, hello, you’re a homeschooling teachermom! I treasure having their journals from that trip – it’s amazing the things they noticed and chose to write about. My younger girl lost steam on her writing on the last couple of days, and she ended up dictating her final few entries, which we later transcribed.
My favorite map company for travel is Red Maps – their city maps are elegant, legible, and durable. They make finding your way on streets and transport effortless. You can order the maps in advance, but I ended up buying mine in Paris. http://www.redmaps.com/
As for attire, wear black and definitely bring a pashmina for the plane. I’ve wondered about those vests, but my favorite thing is a lightweight jacket (black fleece is versatile) with zip hand pockets and inner zip chest pocket. I wear a small crossbody purse (also baggalini) with zipper pockets and carry a larger tote bag for jackets, water bottle, map, and other non-valuables.
Oh, and I bring one or two travel extension cords or mini power strips with me to charge everything. You only need one plug adapter per cord, and you can charge several things at once with the usually-limited outlets you find abroad. My recent favorite is a folding travel cord by monster power (http://tinyurl.com/cbuwm42), but I have just ordered a Belkin mini surge protector with USB ports that sounds promising (http://tinyurl.com/ckxa7gg). If your camera has a rechargeable battery, and if you take a lot of photos, you might want to consider buying a second battery. That’s if you bring a camera in addition to your smartphone.
We tuck nylon duffel bags in the front pocket of each suitcase, just in case we happen to find things to buy and bring home(!) (baggalini makes nice lightweight folding bags, such as http://www.baggallini.com/the-collections/travel-accessories/large-zipout-shopper/) On the way home the dirty laundry, jackets, etc go in the duffels and the the suitcases offer sturdier protection to the souvenirs, etc. If you think there’s a chance of bringing back posters or anything largish and rolled up, you can put a sturdy cardboard tube in your suitcase (I put it diagonally). Fill it with socks or underwear on the way over. I’ve also brought sturdy small empty cardboard boxes to pack fragile souvenirs for the return trip.
No tips, just CONGRATULATIONS and un peu d’envy. Have fun and don’t lose anyone.
Pipe cleaners, cotton balls, pom poms, stick on googly eyes and jewels last a long time for us on car and plane trips. Add some pony beads for MM and she can make jewelry.
The Rush Hour travel game is fun and pretty small/light and fun – may even challenge C for a bit.
I’ve taken Silly Putty on a plane before with no problems (just make sure you put it in the ziploc for liquids) – take that and some colored comics, and you might get a good thirty minutes entertainment.
Michaels often has a 25% off coupon for everything including sale items. They have those fuzzy velvet posters for $1.00 (but the markers aren’t washable) and other artsy type projects too.
Since you’re so crafty you could make one of those beanbags with things hidden in it – like this one: http://tinyurl.com/c8lu3jk
Also – I don’t know if you’re looking for book recs, but we loved My Father’s Dragon – I think all three kids would enjoy the story (but there aren’t many pictures).
Bon voyage!
Yay! France! NancyO gave great tips. One thing is that in October it will be rainy, so make sure to have good rain jackets for all. They have all those fun rain trenches now in all sorts of chic (and not so chic) colors.
Also, this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuXdhow3uqQ (Flight of the Conchords, Foux du Fa Fa)
OH my goodness! How did I forget Foux du FaFa?! I went through a period of watching Flight of the Conchords clips on repeat for hours at a time. This song has probably been embedded in my brain, dormant, until the fare sale awakened my dreams du Foux du FaFa.
“le spring chicken” No, but maybe la spring chicken.
Just sayin’.
Re attire in France, I recall that as-yet-undiscovered Jerry Hall was well-received in Paris while wearing the same stuff she wore in Texas. And when I was in Genoa decades ago, the Italians responded with enthusiasm to a fellow student who never went outdoors without his Richard Petty feathered cowboy hat.
I just got back from the same places you’ll be visiting, only sans enfants, and no floor sleeping (I was lucky enough to get the very comfy couch). The folks who have posted have given you great tips. I’d like to add what is probably obvious: comfortable walking shoes for all, and Imodium just in case. It’s smart to carry bottles of water with you. Don’t be afraid to use the Francais you know.
How great that you get to go, and are taking your kids. Have a great time in FRANCE FRANCE FRANCE! I sure did!!!
Hi
I’m French, and live near Paris. Do you want to send me more infos (such as when and how long you stay, what you like, what are your children’s interest, if you have a car, what your daily budget is for food/visits etc) I can help you plan your trip. There is a museum for almost everything and anything in Paris. I have my in-laws over in October so I am currently thinking of a list of places to go and things to do, I could share it with you if you are interested 
Hi! Thanks for the offer!
One thing I’m confused about is the most economical way to get around Paris and then around France. When I went after college, I had a Eurail pass and a Paris Visite pass, and that seemed to work well. But it looks like Eurail doesn’t offer a France-only pass and I’m not even sure if that would be the best option. And I may take a side trip to Germany for a couple of days so that’s a further complication. (As may be evident, we won’t be renting a car.)