There is something about March that gets us feverish for the highly anticipated arrival of longer days, brighter sunshine, and renewed energy that accompanies the onset of spring.
We start thinking ahead to the upcoming trips that have been planned for the new year and daydreaming about what it will look like when we are there. Subconsciously, we are mentally packing our suitcase as we sip our average morning coffee, wishing it was fancy cappuccino on the terrace of a hotel. Alas, those dazzling vacation days may not be far away!
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To help get you inspired and organized for the day your real luggage gets filled for that long-awaited journey, we have put together this checklist with necessary supplies for your adventure from our favorite French brands. Bon voyage!
Delsey Luggage
The French leather heritage brand Delsey, started in 1946, is a premium luggage that boasts premium quality of the best French savoir-faire (know-how). Preferred by millions of world travelers, Delsey boldly combines tradition and innovation, elegance and modernity, design and practicality in each of its creations. It attracts travel enthusiasts from all over the world and has become the must-have luggage brand with the true Parisian chic!
Weekender Bag & Packable Towel
The 100% “Made in France” Tampicobags are the perfect travel companion. Run by a family business located in the Dordogne region, these 100% cotton bags have large outside pockets and snap closures, designed with comfort and practicality in mind. It can be used as a weekender bag all on its own or as an easily packable beach bag. If you go the beach route, accompany it with a light and comfortable cotton beach towel – exclusively made for MFCH – and you are ready for an afternoon on the sand.
Shop Tampicobags – Shop Beach Towels
Toiletries Bag
One of the most essential travel elements is a good toiletries bag. Two of our favorite French brands – Mathlide M and Sézane – have very practical and wildly adorable trousses (travel pouches) that make packing necessities all the more exciting. Both are 100% cotton, practical, and timeless.
Refreshing Necessities
In addition to the obvious necessities like a toothbrush and deodorant, a few other things we find useful to pack into the toiletries bag are products that will make you feel refreshed. From the MFCH Boutique, three of our favorite French beauty brands will have you glistening: body shimmer for a sun-kissed look (even if you are staying out of the sun); face scrub for a rejuvenated visage; and lip mousse for a pop of color with moisture.
Shop Voilà – Shop Apicia – Shop Yolaine
Skincare Essentials
Skincare is very important to the French. When traveling, make sure you always have on hand a little bottle of sunscreen, no matter the temperature! The most popular brand in French pharmacies is La Roche-Posay. For pre and post sun exposure, organic French skincare brand Typology offers a convenient travel pouch with five travel-size products for a complete skincare routine. From a hydrating facial soap to a purifying mask, there’s everything you need to care for your skin on the go.
Shop La Roche-Posay – Shop Typology
Swimwear Basics
No matter where you travel to, it is important to always have a swimsuit in your bag – you never know when you might find a pool or a spa you simply can’t resist! French department store Galeries Lafayette has a wide selection of the most stylish French swimwear brands and beach accessories.
Practical Shoes
Picking the right shoes for traveling is a tricky decision. If you want to pack efficiently, we recommend having one pair of comfortable sneakers and one pair of nice dress shoes. Thankfully, cute, white sneakers are always in style, and a pair from Lacoste will go with most outfits. Sézane features versatile pumps in a variety of colors that are equally as fashionable as they are comfortable for a night out. To spice up any shoe choice, a pair of St. Eustache transparent socks are always a good idea!
Shop Lacoste – Shop Sézane – Shop St. Eustache
For Rain or Shine
Because you never know what the day is going to look like… pack for rain or shine! Isotoner is fun French umbrella brand with dozens of creative pattern designs to keep you dry in style. When the clouds part and the sun comes out to play, you can’t go wrong with any French designer sunglasses. A pro tip to keep from losing them while traveling, a fashionable sunglasses chain – which can double as a necklace – is a very smart investment.
Shop Isotoner – Shop Sunglasses – Shop Sunglasses Chain
Handy Items
Plenty of things are necessary to pack in your suitcase, but when travelling, a few additional items to have on hand in your day bag are lip balm, a water bottle, and a good book. Constant hydration and moisturization is key throughout the day, while a good book is nice to have while lounging in between activities. Read here for our recommendations on books to transport you to Paris and here for our recommendations on books set in France that are perfect vacation reads.
Shop Typology – Shop Water Bottles – Shop Books
With this checklist, your suitcase will be ready to roll like the French on holiday in no time. Bon voyage!
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