France – May, 2025

For years, students have been begging me to take them to Europe. For a while now, I have been exploring various options. My wife is much better at travel organization. She has put a lot of work into making this possible. So, I am happy to announce that in May, I am offering a trip to France through my website.

We start in Paris, then spend time in Normandy, St. Malo, and Chartres before returning to Paris to fly home. This trip is open to anyone who would like to come. It is an experimental trip. I am testing Explorica to see how it all goes. If this trip goes well, then this will become an annual event.

The price includes flights as well as local tour guides. I have been on tours without local tour guides and, in my experience, having a local tour guide enhances the trip so much more. This is one of the main reasons I chose Explorica as our tour company. The dates are May 16 – May 23, 2023. The total cost is $3,308 and this includes flights. This is the student price (age 22 and under). The adult price is a bit more.

You can see all the tour includes here: http://www.explorica.com/Thomas-3477. If this trip goes well (and, I am convinced it will) there will be opportunities to go again in the future.

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On this page I will compile helpful travel tips and helpful travel products.   Some of the links will be affiliate links.  I only link to items I believe in.

Pick-pocketing is a real thing overseas.  There is  need to be frightened, but every reason to be smart.  Carry bags in front if you are able, not on your back.  Keep zippers closed.  Do not leave items unattended.  Before you go, practice awareness of your belongings: water bottle, keys, bags….

With Explorica, we will share rooms.  Practice keeping items organized.  Be mindful of the fact you will be in a shared space. 

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Packing

When traveling overseas, you may not need as much as you think you need.  Check out this simple packing list.  I have used it repeatedly for years.  It has served me well.

Here is an article that goes into a little more detail: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light/ricks-packing-list

And, here is a video version:

 

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General reminders

We will walk a lot.   If you are not used to walking much, you may want to start walking before the trip.  Bring comfortable shoes.  Bring shoes you are already used to.  If you are buying new shoes, wear them around for a while so that you are not breaking in new shoes on a tour.

While on a tour, we cannot stop every time someone has to use the restroom.  Consider drinking less at breakfast.  Practice waiting longer to use the restroom.  You can start doing that now.  Of course, there will be bathroom breaks on the tour, but you don’t want to be the one holding everyone else up.

Explorica’s website offers you a wealth of information to ensure you’re prepared, informed and ready to have the time of your life! Although there’s tons of useful stuff to explore on explorica.com, here are a few sections of their site that might prove most useful.