Packing Smart

Have you started to think about what you need to pack? You may find answers to some of your questions in today's post.

What size suitcase shall I take?

Check with the airlines to see what is allowed for luggage. Most limit to 1 bag checked, max 50lbs - perhaps your airline will allow 2. It is surprising how quickly I reach that weight limit. I take one bag and my back-pack or smaller case. My suitcase is 24 x 18 x 10. It does have expendable sides that increase the depth by a couple of inches. I notice lots of people at the airports with much larger bags.

Have you seen those nifty vacu-pack bags? I have a couple for packing sweaters - they work great! The ones I have are just "zipped" and rolled to compress the air. They are easy to use and allow you to pack more in less space. (they don't reduce the weight!) You can find them at department stores such as Walmart, Target and Canadian Tire.

We do need to lug our stuff up a long set of stairs so perhaps two lighter bags would be a smart idea - just figure out a way to hook them together for wheeling though the airport.

What to wear

The dress is very casual - there is no need to bring fancy clothes and shoes. You might like to bring one nicer outfit, but there is no where that we go that casual won't work. I pack mix and match, wash and wear which makes it easy! There is a laundry mat down the street, but most people just wash socks, unders, and Ts and hang in the shower or out on drying racks in the courtyard on warm days.

What is the weather like?

I will add a link to weather in Limoux at the right side of the blog so you can take a peek at the forecast. Generally at this time of year it is on the "fresh" side. You will need to take a jacket and a sweater/sweatshirt or two. A neck scarf is always fashionable in France and will help to keep you warm or protect from sun. There are days when it is warm and sunny so you may wish to bring a sun-hat too. Often there are a few funny left-over hats in the studio if you choose to borrow one.

EXTRAS!

- voltage converter and plug adaptor - this may be a two part assembly. The power is "hotter" so you will require a volt converter!

 - extra memory card for your camera

- extra batteries or charger for your camera

- Be sure your PASSPORT is up-to-date!

- Check with your airlines to see what your baggage limit is - remember to travel LIGHT!

- liquids, gels, aerosols that are carried on to the plane in containers of 100ml/100gms (3.4 oz) and fit in ONE clear, closed, resealable plastic 1 qt bag. Do check with your airlines to confirm.

- Leave your prescriptions in their containers with your name (must match ticket) these do not need to go in a zip bag, but must be declared to screening authorities.

- Wear comfie shoes and socks while flying. You will probably have to remove your shoes and put them through the x-ray

- TAG all of your luggage on the outside - include your destination:

3 rue de la Mairie,

Limoux, France

- TAG all of your luggage on the INSIDE - just in case the outer tag gets ripped off. This does happen and bags are lost.

- give family and friends this blog addy so they can see what we are up to: http://paintfrance2014.blogspot.ca/

Please invite them to add their comments. We would all love to hear from them!

Art stuff

What size tubes of paint do you take?

I use the large tubes of watercolour - 15 ml. I go through lots of paint and like it freshly squeezed. The little 5ml tubes are too tiny for me and cost-wise much more expensive! I do know that DVP and the lines they make come in larger tubes - great value and good stuff, but of course it does add to the overall weight and prob. more paint than you will use in two weeks.

Can you take your brushes in the carry on or do they have to be in the checked baggage?

I put my brushes in your checked luggage. There really shouldn't be a problem, but the security will take away knitting needles from little old ladies and I did have a pair of pliers taken so, best not to take a chance.

- Although I have been told that it is allowable to include the small tubes of watercolour in your small clear bag for carry-on I recommend that they are best in your checked luggage.