I have been packing for our upcoming trip to France. Once again, The Frenchman and I are headed to his motherland. Once again, the summer area of his motherland. The Côte d’Azur.
A sight I never tire of. Happy Landings!
Although we have been staying at our apartment rental for the past 15 years, I have not traveled light. I travel heavy. And by that, I mean, I travel with checked-in luggage. Every year, I ponder bringing only a carry-on but my husband continues to remind me he paid for the tickets which include one checked-in piece of luggage per person. I shall return to this thought as my mind is randomly wandering.
We shall return to this subject in a moment!
The past month, I’ve been working on an important project at work. Auditors will be visiting the hospital and I’m diligently working on an Excel workbook that is so unforgiving, I feel that I could possibly become a patient in the very hospital in which the State of Pennsylvania employs me. Truth be told, I happen to enjoy working on this project immensely because I can work independently and my office is delightfully quiet. My goal was to finish the project before traveling and I have reached that goal. It is such a satisfying feeling.
My life as I know it. But I am loving what I’m doing.
So then just why is packing such a pain-in-the-ass? We’re going to be gone for two weeks. (My son will be house-sitting because he is on hiatus from work for a few summer weeks.) That means packing a plethora of clothing. That means swimwear. Enough for two weeks. I am not bringing a bathing suit; I am bringing several. I am also bringing whatever clothing suits my moods!
Wear the shorts too. And the short dress. Nobody cares. We are only important to ourselves!
It also means packing sundresses. Not just one but a few. And lightweight linen pants. And tops. And underwear. And various pairs of sandals. And coverups for the beach and pool. And wigs. Quite an assortment of wigs.
This madras frock from Free People is discontinued. I’m glad I purchased it on sale. Cotton. Breathable. Comfortable. I can tell you now, it’ll be a “most-worn” dress!
In fact, all of these dresses are packed. The second from left dress is embarking upon it’s fourth return!
In addition, it means packing chargers for small electronics and the cords. And my journals. And books to read whilst lolling at the pool like the princess I am. And tweezers for those chin hairs that pop up on the hour. And earrings and other inexpensive bijou. I never travel with good jewelry.
One of my journals. I’ve already written a grocery list.
And all that stuff, in addition to beach towels and sheets (Yes. We pack sheets for the car rental because we want to keep the back clean of beach sand so we cover the seats and trunk with sheets. Crazy? Not when the car rental charges one for cleaning the vehicle.
My oversized pink Samsonite suitcase gets filthier by the year. This year I purchased a cover for it. I’ll show ya later!
There is also no way I’m wearing a sun dress to a fancy restaurant. It’s our vacation. We dress for dinner. We like to. And in St. Tropez, I want to look halfway decent—especially when we visit my Father-In-Law’s grave—I want to be respectful.
This maxi dress. It’s the third year in a row I’m packing this. It’s perfect to wear to dinner.
Let’s face it. And it’s fine if you disagree with me but we’ve, as a society, become too casual. I’m uncomfortable traveling and looking like a slob. I want to respect the places I travel too and want the locals to see that not all Americans dress in pajama bottoms and flip-flops while playing tourist.
This year’s travel ensemble. The joggers are from two years ago-J. Crew. The shoes Repetto. I decided on navy because I’m tired of black. The sleeveless Tee is from Old Navy. It’s an incredibly comfortable look without appearing like a slob. My husband questioned wearing the shirt as it can get cold in the air. My life is one hot flash so it won’t be bothersome. Besices, it’ll be hot when we land in Nice. I need to be prepared!
These days, it seems that carry-on luggage is the only way to travel—according to a great number of travelers—especially on social media. I’m both fascinated and flummoxed as to how someone can travel for over a month with only a carry on. These travelers proudly proclaim that they can wear the same outfit multiple days in a row—even in hot climates. Sorry not sorry but I sweat like a ho in church and I need clean clothing every day. Granted I have the luxury of a washing machine at the apartment, but I still want a personal choice of clothing to don my old-lady body.
My carry on. A Longchamp weekender purchased in Paris..or was it Nice, some years ago. It has a should strap which makes it even better. I have a number of wigs packed in here.
Some of the wigs. But there’s more…
And they are all packed. Ladies. I tell you, even if you are blessed with a full head of bio hair, buy a couple of wigs for vacation. You can swim all day then plop a wig upon your head when you head to dinner or a club. You’re welcome!
Believe me, I am not condoning those who travel with but a carry-on. However, those of us who check luggage do not need to be shamed for it nor do we need to listen to the constant pontification of how carry-on luggage is better and how those who travel with carry-ons only are the pro travelers.
And here it is. A delightfully tacky cover over my filthy suitcase, my carryon and my “travel” purse, a LV vintage Randonee GM” I’m all set.
I’ve seen you at the gate. You do have a carry-on. And you also have a backpack larger than the carry-on piece which you claim as your “personal” item. And I’ve sat next you and your personal item that took up most of the floor space in our row. You are the ones who will also show up with a plastic bag or two chock-full of other items. You are the ones who will also try to stuff all your shit in the overhead leaving others sleuthing down space for our one piece.
Yeah. I see you buddy. You’ll be at my gate. You’ll be sitting across from me hogging up all the overhead space. Not on my flight.
So please don’t shame those of us who chose to check our luggage. I’m not that person who has a capsule wardrobe at home so I’m not going to travel with a capsule wardrobe!
A lot of thought went into packing this suitcase ..and a lot of stuff was, to be honest, just thrown in.
I realize that airlines lose luggage. I’ve had that happen to me and received my luggage a few days later. I get that. But I’m taking my chances by placing an Apple Air Tag in my suitcase and we will see what transpires.
I also realize that luggage isn’t handled with care. That’s why I don’t buy expensive suitcases.
This brings me to another thing. I travel with quite a bit of skincare and beauty items. Having these items close at hand makes me feel better. And with that, at my advanced age, I’m becoming more particular about what I put on my face. Especially since these days the price of drug store makeup and skin care is climbing the dollar ladder to just under luxury pricing.
Anyway, a few weeks ago, I decided to purchase items by Typology. Typology is a French brand that sells online. There are a couple of pop-up stores in Paris, located within department stores. The brand is also vegan and sustainable.
Another brand I’ve tried for you!
I purchased the following:
Glow Drops: These have a serum-like consistency. One or two drops will give your face a beautiful glow. You can also tone the glow down by mixing it with moisturizer. This product soaks into your skin without leaving a filmy or greasy feel. For summer, this is fantastic after being kissed with color by the sun. For winter it will give a nice glow to dry skin. I’m very happy with this.
The Glow Drops. So Nice!
Lip Oil. Ohhhhhhhhhh. I purchased the shade, Powder Pink. This is a wonderful product. It isn’t too “oily” and leaves the lips soft. I like to use this over my bare lips and sometimes apply the Merit lip oil over it or an inexpensive lip gloss. Most times I just leave in on alone. It doesn’t last all day but what it does do is softens the lips and gives a nice flush of color.
The Lip Oil is so pretty. Don’t mind my nails. They have been destroyed by working at the hospital. Tomorrow I have a mani-pedi appointment!
Tinted Serum: This is the wonder product. I was floored when I applied this the first time. It’s a serum but the tint is amazing. It blends into the skin so well and you cannot even see that you are wearing product. For the first time in my 69 years, I cannot spot any caked-on product in my fine lines and wrinkles. It tones down the redness of my skin and I was left speechless. In fact, there is no way I will go back to any foundation. This is for every mature woman out there. I have the shade light. With a tan, it’ll be too fair for me so I’ll be ordering another in a darker shade.
I’m ga-ga over this stuff! It’s amazing.
Tinted Concealer: I’m not much of a concealer person so I purchased this on a whim. A tiny bit is all that is needed. A very tiny bit. It works very well to cover the blue areas between the nose and eyes. However, since I use less product in the summer—this will be great for winter.
Since just a minute amount is needed, this’ll last a long time!
Eye Serum: This is supposed to work for dark circles, of which I don’t have, and bags under the eye of which I do slightly have. For me, one drop is all that is needed for both under eyes. This doesn’t get rid of the slight bags but it does assist in making my under-eye area appear less lined and softer. It has a slight bit of plumpness but for the most part, I am a fan of the hydration it offers.
The eye serum. You might not think of purchasing but after a while, you’ll be happy you did!
100% Squalane Serum for Dry Skin: Again, not much is needed. I use two drops from the dropper and this spreads over my face in a most luxurious way. It soaks into the skin as opposed to sitting atop it. I use this in morning and night.
Nine Ingredient Soothing Face Serum: This white serum is another gem. Soaks in and feels great.
I think this is my favorite of the serums.
Nourishing Moisturizer. Wow! Now this is a moisturizer. You need but a touch. Don’t overdo it because this spreads generously over the face and really does a great job of hydrating!
The moisturizer is also quite wonderful!
Now—here’s the weird thing about the Typology products. It isn’t until after using them for a few days that you see such a subtle difference. I’m not lying. I received the products about two weeks ago. And the other day, I noticed that my skin looked better.
I have them at the ready in my bathroom. All products are TSA-approved but I may leave them home because I don’t want to chance anything breaking.
Did I look ten or twenty years younger? Of course not! Only a face lift will do that for me. However, my skin looked healthier and in better condition. Proof of this is an age spot on the side of my face. It is still there but it’s lighter.
I certainly don’t look younger but after a couple of weeks with these products, I’m liking the way my skin looks. The skin tint is incredible. See how even my skin tone is?
Another asset is the size of the bottles. They are smaller than the usual sizes. At first my thinking was that I paid a good amount of money for less product. But, since only one or two drops is all that’s needed, you don’t go through the bottles and tubes the way one normally does. Speaking for myself, I’ve always been heavy-handed with skincare products. With Typology, I’ve learned that less is more.
I’m not an affiliate nor am I sponsored for this. I purchased these items to try them so I could tell you how I feel about them. These are no BS products. And they work well.
Give it a go. I think you’ll like it.
Let’s see how much more I can stuff into my luggage!
Those plastic bags from Temu are fantastic packing accessories. I’ve rolled clothing and placed them in the bags. Thank God after all the packing, my little makeup room will be back to normal!
Now that summer is upon us and after tomorrow, the days will get shorter, enjoy the longer days while we have them! The winter will be here before you know it!
Plenty of sunscreen, Lip Oil, Sunglasses are all you need in this weather!
Such a rich post, Catherine. Thank you for this.
First of all, congrat’s on finishing that project! Before I retired, I was hospital based and I know the stress of audits. Gah.
I’m older than you (80 yo) and completely agree about people (e.g. Americans) doing themselves no favors by traveling like slobs. i have always been able to tell which ones they are in Europe.
And bringing checked luggage… I always do. The last time I was in the Netherlands was for 6 weeks and by the fourth week I was so tired of wearing the same thing despite that checked suitcase that I began buying clothes.
Have a marvelous time and I look forward to hearing about all you’ve done.
Hi Frances!! And thank you for validating my thoughts and emotions on the luggage issue. I enjoy having a choice in what I’m wearing. A carry on for two weeks is just not enough for my taste. I could have gone on and on. I belong to a few travel groups on FB and I must say, many of those “carry on only” people are very self-righteous. They behave as though their way of travel is the only way. It isn’t. You and I are not carry on people.
I could argue that they are either too cheap to check luggage or….are not privy to their budgets allowing for checked in luggage. I don’t pontificate “checked in” is the only way either. I’m just sick of self-righteous, self important people! LOL. I’ll still end up buying clothes!
Cath, I enjoy your travel blogs. I pack the way you do, especially on a long-ish vacation. I also agree with you about looking put-together at all times. And don’t get me started on people who travel with huge back packs. As soon as the plane lands they stand up, hoist them onto their backs, knocking people behind them willy nilly.
Do you travel internationally in coach? I’d love to hear how you manage overnight flights. I think you’ve said in the past you can’t sleep, stay up watching movies. Same for me, I cannot sleep sitting up.
Have a great trip!
Tracy
Hi Tracy, OMG. The backpack people. Especially the backpack families who travel with children carrying backpacks that are bigger than them. Either they cannot afford to check luggage in or they are so freaking entitled that they feel they are the most important people on the plane.
We always travel coach because we would rather spend our money on our destination than getting there! I have my book about Nick Drake in my bag, my journals and am now perusing the AA sight to see what movies are in the offering. It’s an overnight flight but only 7.50 hours so I’ll just go to bed early our first night in France.
Seriously. I feel better traveling with more of my stuff!
Hi Cathy. One suicase, a carry on and a travel purse is not a lot! And your clothing choices are great! Curious if you own the apartment, or just have several weeks timeshare. If you own it and travel there often, have you considered leaving a wardrobe there? (Including wigs, makeup and jewelry). Then you could travel basically bag free. I wish you a wonderful vacation! Have a great time, and take lots of pictures. Some of us are living vicariously through you. Hugs!
Hi Shelly. Oh. I wish. We’ve been renting the same apartment for 15 years. Not a timeshare but the owner rents the place out for summer visitors and we have a good relationship. They know that we are responsible, never leave a mess and respect the property. It works out very well and we pretty-much can make our own schedule.
Trust me, if we had our own apartment in the south, I wouldn’t even need a big purse. I would just…go!!!
Thank you! Preach! I hate traveling with just a carry on, I hate dispensing products into little containers, I hate not to have a choice except which black or white item to wear! And backpacks, don’t get me started. They’re so wide they hit you in the face when people pass by with them on, and then they hoist them on at the end of the flight and smack you. And people traveling in pj’s and stuff. Really? The flight attendant once complimented me on how nice I looked, now that is high praise. This time I’ll wear nice Athleta pants, a stripe shirt, and a blazer. With a scarf. I’m going for 11 days, some in Paris, some in the country, and I need nice shoes and walking shoes, and sandals. And a couple dresses as well as pants because we too dress up a tad for dinners out. It’s fun. And it’s respectful. In all my flights, and there have been a lot, I have had one delayed bag. It was not lost, just delayed. And you are paying for that checked bag, so you might as well use it. Plus, on the non stop to Paris we are taking, we get two checked bags each (business class; yes we are blowing it out this time). So we are gonna use them! Have fun!
Hi Susan. Since we’re in Paris during the cold months, I really need to take a lot of clothes. Blazers. Sweaters. Jeans. Outerwear. Boots. Shoes for walking. Shoes for dinner. scarves. wigs. No way will a carry on suffice.
Although the South is a lot more casual, I still want to look decent! And summer outfits are fun! Business class. I’m jelly!!!!
Catherine,
You are so right about the “Carry-On”crowd. Is there one right way – NO! Those of us older and shorter folks can’t heft a bag into the overhead at all. Do I want to strain my back before I even get to my destination??? I often do pack in a carry-on size, but still check that bag. I don’t have to spend my time waiting to board by keeping an eye on all my luggage. I could go on, but others have said it well about the clueless Backpackers.
Have a great trip – I’ll be waiting to hear all about it
Hi Bonnie. Yeah. I use a carry on when I fly to Cincinnati to visit Oona, Sam and the boys. And also for long weekends to the city or DC or Long Island. But for overseas, it’s a big suitcase.
LOL. My husband and I are usually the last to disembark simply because we’re in no hurry. The customs lines will most likely be long. We’ll have to wait for luggage. We’ll have to wait for the car rental and then we’ll have fun.
My journals are ready so I can begin making notes!
Thanks for the Typology review. I’ve been contemplating purchasing some but did not know anyone who had tried it. Frustrating when you can’t even find it at the store. And yes- check that bag!!!
You are most welcome. I really hemmed and hawed about the same thing because I couldn’t find a decent review on YouTube either. And on Instagram, everyone is overfiltered to the point that I think my cataracts grew back. It’s frustrating that the brand isn’t sold in stores but I will say, shipping was quick and they way everything was packed was incredibly secure. The products really are that good!
Catherine, Do you know about Mobile Passport Control? Check to see if your re-entry airport supports it. Faster than Global Entry, because so few people know and use it. I used it coming back from Paris in April and sailed through customs in minutes inn Chicago
Thanks Bonnie. I just downloaded the app but need to add my information. Looks like a keeper!
I’m in France for this month and checked a rather large bag because, yes, I like my stuff. And we were in three different cities and as you know you do not dress the same in Paris as you dress in the countryside or in Provence.
Also – gotta have room for shopping. This year, Olympic souvenirs for all!
Totally with you on the checked in luggage thing – I wish the crew would police the amount of carry on people try to get into the cabin, I mean what the hell do people intend to do with it all once they are airborne. I take my absolute essentials I cant cope without on board (chargers mainly) but everything else can go in the hold – if the worst came to the worst heck I can go shopping and buy some holiday reminders.
And totally agree on the not slobby comfort dressing – it can be done and it does wonders for the frame of mind. If I am dressed like a slob I feel like a slob and most of my slob clothing is for cleaning the bathroom etc – who the heck wants to dress for an adventure like that?
Must check out the typology – it looks fabulous, I wonder what other treasures you will find while you are in France on reconnaissance 🙂
Right? Air France is the only airline that polices the carry on luggage. A few years back we were flying from Paris to Nice and I had a Longchamp weekender. The flight attendant, came over, checked it, then smiled–it was ok but boy, she really policed those bags! It was great.
I think the issue here in the States is everyone is entitled. Or rather they feel they are entitled. They have a beef with airlines because they charge for checked luggage. So be it. If that’s so important to them then they can’t really afford to travel. And I’m not being snotty either. It’s just that this mindset of carrying a huge-ass backpack, a regular carry on and seventeen plastic bag is just uncalled for and I agree–the airlines need to do something about it!
Curious- how does the glow drops compare to the Glossier Future Dew? ( I first bought upon your recommendation and I continue to repurchase-love it!)
Great question! The Glow Drops are more intense and not as lightweight as the Future Dew. Future Dew is more liquid. Does that make sense? I continue to repurchase Future Dew on a constant basis because it’s easy to wear every day, all alone. Glow Drops is that product you use more sparingly. Example: I can use Glow Drops more when I have a tan. When I’m pale Future Dew works. Both are great products. As an aside I also purchased Merit Glow Serum. This product is more “oily” in nature and needs to be shaken up before using. Of the three the Merit product is the one that I’m “okay” with. It’s not a GOAT product. It comes out of the pump rather quickly. I like it fine but prefer the Typology and Glossier over it.
That’s the fun with products. They are like potato chips–you can’t just have one!
I totally agree with you and many of the comments. I am always told by my coffee group that I need to go carry on only…. hahahahaha I too love my stuff and like options, no capsule for me. I like to be able to take my sunscreens and skin care that does not fit into the little liquids bag. Also, bringing home multiple items from the pharmacies, sometimes entire skin care lines to try need a place to snuggle into on the way home. Bullying does not work for me. I dress up for every flight as well.
Ugh. I no longer pay attentioon to those who pontificate about the pleasures of carry on. I go shopping and need to take stuff home. I want choices on what to wear. Also, more is needed when it rains!
I would never travel with carryon only. I need my stuff, where would I put all my sunscreens and skin care with just that little liquids bag. I need room to bring home all the new skin care I like to try out from other countries as well. I will never be that person that takes only 2 pairs of shoes, and I like a choice of outfits. I do get slightly bullied by some of our coffee group for taking a checked bag and am constantly told about the most efficient packing method. I will stick to my cubes and ignore the rolling tutorials. Dressing nicely for flights is always a must as well.
Have a wonderful time and look forward to your posts when you return.
Will look into Typology.
Exactly. I’m still rummaging around to do last-minute packing.
Amen on the checked baggage. And, yes, Air France pays attention.
Great post. We’re going to the Côte d’Azur in September, just next door to Theoule and can’t wait to be back there. We live in the UK and go by train – haven’t flown for many years as my husband hates it. Restrictive, but possible.
If you find a replacement restaurant for Gaston Gastonette in Cannes, please post as we are desperate to find one. Have a wonderful time.
Oh….. and the Typology products sound wonderful. Will have to give them a try.
Susan D
I do have a restaurant and it is in Theoule. L’Air Du Temps. It’s overlooking the bae and the food and service is wonderful. Request a table overlooking the bay. We passed this place a million times and never ate there until last summer. My husband has already made reservations twice for dinner next week and the week after. The website sucks via laptop but I was able to get their number on my cell phone. I have a blog post from last summer about it. Hold on while I look for it. Here’s the blog post–scroll down because there’s other stuff in the post: Blog post with L’Air du Temps
Also, I don’t know if the restaurant at Le Club at La Galarie But here’s some info: Le Club port galere
In Cannes, there is no sub for the original Gaston et Gastonette. However, we had a wonderful meal at Au mal Assis Be warned, the vegetables kind of sucked because I believe they were frozen. It’s somewhat of a tourist resto but overall, was not bad.
Thank you so much for this. We don’t rent a car so Le Club is no good for us. We did attempt Au Mal Assis last year but left before we ordered as we found them very rude!!! Will look back at last year’s post to see if L’Air du Temps could work for us. Meanwhile have a great holiday xx
Susan D
I can understand the debate and intense feelings about checked vs. carry-on luggage, for sure. There are so many travelers who bring huge carry-on stuff onto the plane and it can negatively impact the rest of the travelers. And yes, if my airline ticket included a checked bag, I’d definitely take advantage of that. Not every plane ticket comes with that though, and not everyone can afford (or want) the extra cost. That’s why I give them the benefit of the doubt.
It sort of depends on where I’m going regarding what luggage I decide to take. If I’m going somewhere for a couple of weeks and have a rental car, I might consider checking a bag. If I’m traveling by train or hiking once I arrive at my destination, it’s going to be a carry-on only because I don’t want to schlep a lot of stuff. I can do laundry along the way and would take just a week’s worth of clothing. I’m a minimalist when I travel and even with that there is always something in my bag that I can wear out to dinner in a fine restaurant. I wear my bulkiest stuff on the plane and plan accordingly.
Anyway, I hope you have a great vacation. Sounds like a lot of fun!!!
Hi Vava. Points well-taken. When I’m on a weekend or short jaunt, it’s always a carry on. I’m talking about the ones who take up too much space in the overhead, and upon leaving the flight, give me a concusion when their overloaded backpack hits me in the head! LOL!
Hi Cathe
I mainly take carry -on but that’s because I have some clothes at my place in France. For les grandes vacances I drive and can bring what I like. I arrived last night and hope for some sun. Honestly I’ve never known the weather to be so bad here, even down south. It has just rained and rained this year. Fingers crossed it’s scorching in Theoule as usual. Just off to fête de la musique… if it doesn’t rain!
Will check out Typologie. The Glow Drops sound worth à try.
Bonne vacances.
Loved that article and all the recommendations…. Your sense of humor is terrific . I also love the idea of traveling with wigs… Can you recommend brands? Thank you
My favorite brands are Estetica, Gabor and Raquel Welch. But…I’ve just purchased a Paula Young wig and love it so much I purchased two more!
Why is it that I check day after day to see if there’s a new post and the minute things get crazy you sneak one in! All I’m going to say is an apple tag is non negotiable. Last year my luggage ended up in Nigeria and the only reason I got it back was because I had a tag in it, no thanks to British Air.
Have a wonderful trip!
Nice blog
Thank you Salina!
Thank you so much for sharing this article. Your effort is truly appreciated, and the information is invaluable. I’m grateful for your generosity and the time you took to pass it along.
Thank you so very much for your thoughtful response! I appreciate it!
I am also a luggage checker. Mainly because I don’t want to unpack and send all of my liquid skincare through TSA 🤣