This is not a very sexy post and there is probably nothing in here that a seasoned traveler does not know, but just in case...
Whether I am gone for a week or a month (I wish), I take no more than a carry-on suitcase (less than 6 pounds empty). However, I always pack two or three plastic plates, plastic forks and knives, zip-lock plastic bags, and a tire-bouchon (wine opener). None of these take up much suitcase real estate or add any weight.
As you look at the above photo you can see why. There are times when you started early, ran all day, and when the sun went down at 11pm (yes, in the summer it does!) you were simply too tired to sit in a café (make that another café). So, you grab une bouteille de vin, une bagette, des fromages and you can have a little respite in your hotel or your apartment. It is also handy when you are going to do macaron research -- more another time on that topic (miam-miam).
Regarding le tire-bouchon, I had the simple plastic "hotel-type" opener taken by security as I left Paris headed to the USA, but it had been to/from Paris 4 times, to South America twice, and many other places. So, I feel less certain about transporting than I did previously.
17 comments:
And this is breakfast? Go, girl...!
You do so well to pack in a carry-on case! but I know it can be done - Great idea to carry a few eating accessories. love that name tire-bouchon so french!
~Dianne~
I'd do my best to stick with carry-on but I wonder if I could succeed! Great advice, thanks Genie.
JB -- Tu es marrant!
Dianne and Shell -- My husband is amazed because I used to travel with more luggage just to hold les chaussures. When I started to travel for business I quickly learned to be more efficient and realistic.
Looks fantastic! Your tire-bouchon story (sorry that you lost and old friend!) reminds me that I have yet to try the trick of opening a bottle of wine with a shoe. I'll let you know how that turns out!
Mmmm - I believe that is the very fragrant chevre fromage that we had to banish from our room (it was tres delicieux). Quel domage that security separated you from the tire-bouchon -- I will search to see if there is an acceptable travel version. And, you are absolutely right -- a carry-on is the only way to go!
Do you always pack a jug of wine too? hahahahaha!
Wine and cheese.......it's not just for breakfast anymore! JB's right.
Glad you packed all that so we could have our little apéritif sitting on the beds in your hotel room on our last trip. I always take cute cocktail napkins and I was going to find a very small tire -bouchon for traveling but guess your little encounter with TSA has nixed that great idea. Perhaps we will learn how to open a bottle with our shoe or pay a visit to my new friend in the Marais that had all those neat antique ones in his shop!
PPaul -- Okay, I do not know that method but I think that it would enhance my repertoire of party tricks. Do tell!
M -- You are correct! I will probably just pull another tire-bouchon from the drawer and try again. It always flies with me within the USA and no problems until now. Plastic with a single screw. Of course, one can ask for the bottle to be opened when purchased, n'est-ce pas? (wink)
Mr Bird -- I used to transport a bottle or two from abroad until the restrictions on liquids. However, when you can buy French wine it would be foolish to bring in wine -- like bringing sand to the beach!
Virginia -- C'est gentil -- If I buy a lovely antique tire-bouchon in the Marais, I would check my bag on the way home, bien sûr!
Ah yes, Happy Hour Chez Genie and Marie - I remember it well!
Mad -- Let's do it again!
lovely fotos - especially your header shot - amazing! enjoyed visiting your blog...
Good for you for fitting it all in a carry-on—a useful skill these days! Guess you can always buy a temporary Parisian tire-bouchon to use while you're there. Or the best solution (and my dream): a Paris pied-a-terre to store it in.
Amanda, thanks for stopping in -- Please visit again. σας ευχαριστώ
Alexa -- I like your idea for a place for storage. It is a bit of overkill just to store the tire-bouchon but I can run with that idea!
I always travel light! :-)
I enjoy this photo, the food, the wine, and it's from Paris. A good tip about the plastic ware and plate. Love the tip idea in your posting. We scrambled to use paper napkins when we faced a similar situation in our hotel.
We Americans travel with far too much. I remember watching a couple from our direct flight from Minneapolis struggle with two 29 inch suitcases and two oversized carry-ons. Next trip, I plan on purchasing some of the essentials, and perhaps a few shirts. Makes for a memorable experience.
JM -- although I cannot verify your statement, I truly believe it is true.
Rob -- When I travel, I make notes on the way home about what I would do again and what I would change. I bought the disposable plastic-ware at Bon Marché one time and thought it would be better to bring with me.
Regarding the size/number/weight of suitcases I do not know how some people get around with them.
Post a Comment