Heading to Paris for the Olympic and Paralympic Games this year

Following on from last week, here is a suggested packing list for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Here are some flight tips from an Aussie.

To get to Europe from Australia is always long-haul flights. so, there are always tips to give. lessons learned along the way.

Items needed for the flight

A good travel pillow, this is because the pillows given on some flights in economy are not comfortable.  The Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow is a great option, its comfortable and will assist in keeping the neck supported for the flights while you sleep.

Download the airline app on to your phone. This is so that you can check in to your flight and to ensure that you also have access to the inflight entertainment.

The mobile app for your airline is so crucial in ensuring that you have all the updates for flight times (even if the text messages don’t have the full details).

Download games to your phone (some airlines offer Wi-Fi on board).

Have you got Netflix, or another streaming service, download content for offline viewing.

Purchase the Twelve south  AirFly Pro, this will connect all wireless headphones to the airline entertainment system, using Bluetooth and the an airline adaptor.

A spare empty suitcase the it luggage soft shell suitcase in dark grey from Penneys is a great option as the front pockets can be locked with the Boots TSA Key Twin locks or any other TSA approved locks. This is available in the small (cabin size) and Large (checked bag size).

Check your airline and ticket inclusions before heading off.

if it’s in the budget or this is a special occasion then treat yourself to Air France Business class.

Want to set aside some money for food, drinks and shopping on the flight money transfer services offer a multicurrency account and debit card for use in these situations. The two most known ones are Wise and Revolut these are also great options to ensure that you can budget for any trip effectively.

What to wear

What should one wear when going to such a prestigious event as a spectator, or even going to the host city to soak up the atmosphere and to be able to say you were there.

Comfortable shoes – this is absolutely important there will be a lot of walking, standing and waiting in ques and going through security checkpoints. Paris is well served in the city centre by public transport, however with more than 8.8 million tickets sold as of last week. Paris will be busy.

If you’re a Nike fan. Then the Nike Court Visions for men and women and the Nike Pegasus 41 available for men women and older children are excellent options as they both comfortable, and look good.

Jeans H&M Skinny High Jeans are a great choice. The black ones are classic and will work well with all the teams merch. They will look great with a nice going out top and flats to attend the Moulin Rouge.

Supporter gear, this is one of those harder items to navigate especially in Paris where the locals are a lot more fashionable. However, supporter gear in the stands is a must and it also makes it obvious who you’re supporting and where you’re from.

This year’s lines have been stepped up and look great. Great for any future Olympic themed party as well. The Team Ireland official collection has some great lines there are also some great lines from Team Australia Team USA and Team Great Britain.

Even the hosts Team France official collection looks great.

what to pack

in addition to the above-mentioned items to wear and other clothing and general items you will need to take with you. the most important items will be the following.

Your phone with the Paris 2024 apps installed including the Visa go App, this is because, there will be no

Identification i.e. your passport (EU citizens can also bring their National Identity card – ID card). You need this to travel to France, the Police can and will conduct random checks. While these are usually at borders, however there may be more checks during the Olympic and Paralympic games.

Session Ticket. This is because security checkpoints are another part of this equation, the security will be tight.

No ticket or accreditation, no entry to the venue.

This has always been the case with Olympic Games campaigns, however, there have been some major incidences in past campaigns that have ensured that security remains tight to keep everyone safe including the Centennial Olympic Park attack at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

Your public transport tickets there is a special edition Public Transport ticket for Paris 2024.

This can be purchased from the Apple Wallet for iPhone.

Shopping tote bags, the world has essentially banned single use plastic bags from being used in retail outlets.

Here are two examples from H&M that will allow you to use your own bag and use it time and time again. This Canvas Shopper, is a one pocket tote bag and can be carried on the shoulder and then there is this Cotton canvas shopper, which has pockets on the outside to hold the reusable water bottle and, with the merchandise on the inside larger pocket.

A reusable water bottle this is a must in any big city as ever, remember to follow event guidelines for Paris 2024.

Additional tips to save some money.

Purchase the additional luggage.

Get a local number, this is a great option to keep costs down, just make sure that you have access to international calls from the local mobile number.

The Orange travel Sim is a great option this can even be purchased before leaving home. This eSIM allows for calls and SMS. This is available through the website or by downloading the Orange Travel World eSIM from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.

For those with phones that don’t support eSIM a physical sim is also available that can be delivered to you.

International roaming can make for a very expensive phone bill,

need to have access to the receipts for any purchases you have made, download local shopping Apps for your iPhone and sign up for the rewards memberships they are free and you have a copy of the receipt for if you need this back home. This will require a change of location for the Apple Store.

For more Travel budget tips, here is an Australian money podcast She’s On The Money available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

the most important episodes are listed.

Travel Savings Hacks, from July 17 2022, available on  Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Budget Ready…Set…TRAVEL! April 2 2024, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Talking Travel Insurance July 11, 2022, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Common Financial Mistakes for Travelers October 18 2022 available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

these travel tips are worth their weight in gold.