​Bonjour!

It has been a few years since my last trip to France. However, the culture, the food, the French countryside, charming towns, beaches, large cities...this country is on the list for a future visit! How about you? Get packing! 

Have a fantastic trip!

Erik 

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FRANCE - A LITTLE LIGHT READING

FAST FACTS
​Destination: France
Capital: Paris
Continent: Europe
Primary Language: French, English
Timezone: UTC 
Currency: Euro

PLACES OF NOTE
Paris
Normandy
The French Riviera
Dijon
​Leon

​Passport: Yes, Americans need a valid passport to enter France by air
Visa: American citizens do not need a visa if traveling for vacation

More information on passports & visas can be found here.

I love traveling abroad as much as I love traveling within my home country of the United States. However, I want you to be safe and be an excellent representative of your home country. Even in places that are very friendly to visitors, remember that you are in a foreign country and understanding local customs is critical. So, here are a few tips as you prepare for your adventure.
  1. Before you depart from your home country, call The US Embassy (or your home country embassy) and tell them you are leaving your home country. That way they are aware of your whereabouts in case of emergency.
  2. Carry only the credit cards you are using to charge expenses. Call those credit card companies before you leave. Do not travel with your debit cards. 
  3. Clean out your wallet or purse and carry only what you need. 
  4. Solve your mobile phone situation before you depart. Usually a phone call to your provider will get you started.
  5. Keep all medications with you in your carry on.
  6. Leave a photo copy of all your travel documents (passport, itinerary, copy of your credit cards) with a friend or at your home. 
  7. Do not travel with expensive jewelry.
  8. Make sure you travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft.
  9. Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.
  10. Be a respective guest of the local customs and obey the local laws.
  11. If English is not the primary language, then familiarize yourself with key phrases and make attempts in the country's primary language. Locals usually appreciate the effort.  
  12. Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times.
  13. Keep possessions close to your body.
  14. Don’t take around large amounts of cash.
  15. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry on road trips or excursions.

For US citizens, visit the US State Department's website (for American citizens) before you travel abroad. Here's a direct link to get started. 
TRANSPORTATION
THE WEATHER
France is generally divided into four distinct climatic areas:

Oceanic climate (western France): average rainfall is spread over many days and modest annual temperature variations.
Continental climate (central and eastern France): cold winters and hot summers.
Mediterranean climate (south eastern France): warm and dry summers, rainfall from about October to April, ample sunshine all year round.
​Mountain climate (above 600-800m altitudes): high rainfall, snows three to six months per year.
HELPFUL LINKS
France has an official tourism bureau. Learn more by watching this video. 

Official tourism bureau of France

MEET ERIK THE TRAVEL GUY!

​I am on a mission to get you traveling more often, staying longer and experiencing the potentially life-changing, positive power of travel. Here, you can count on the latest travel news, information, videos, tips, blog posts and podcasts from the online travel community to equip you with relevant information and advice. We'll also feature the latest news about our nationally syndicated television series "Beyond Your Backyard" which is seen by millions of viewers each week in 90% of US Households. Thank you for visiting!

​Erik ​
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