• Rule #1 Scan into a PDF file, every document you do not want to lose and no matter you think it is important or not. How to scan and save? No better scanner than is on your phone Android Adobe Scan or Apple Store Adobe Scan are amazing. Now I only use my commercial flat bed scanner for big jobs. Adobe Scan retouches scans to give the best quality and links to the cloud for saving.

• Print every critical document to keep near and safe such as a color copy of your passport.

• Passport Scan and print a couple color copies of your passport. Keep a printed copy in your wallet or purse. Lock your real passport in the hotel safe. In France, you must carry an ID card at all times. Police will accept a printed copy but offer to fetch the real-deal at the hotel. Police will not bother you if you are polite and respectful. Remember that a US driver's license is not a legal ID card outside the US

• Credit Cards Scan both sides. Notify your credit card provider(s) that you will be traveling. This way your credit card will be valid if you make a payment outside of you normal area. Test ATM withdrawal one week before you leave home.

• Store your important documents in the Cloud or eMail to yourself.

• Prescriptions
• Medications - inventory and plan refills. Carry-on containers. Liquids
• Notify your prescribing physician of your travel
• Make a list of all medications and non-pharmaceuticals that you take and for what reason. Print and scan.

USB key but encrypted and password protected

• No Tourist Look - anyone in Paris will spot a North American tourist from across the street simply by the way they dress.
• Capsule Wardrobe is perfect for visiting Paris. Dress as the proper Parisian dresses
• Wear Black with classy accents like a colorful silk scarf and name-brand leather purse. Do you know why the Parisians were black? Why do New Yorkers wear black?
• Jeans are OK if they are of high quality and name-brand. Make sure they fit and compliment you well. Black jeans are perfect
• No shorts - for men or women, shorts and flip-flops are reserved for the beach, not Paris.
• Avoid White Sneakers and white socks
• No Baseball Caps
• No Sweats or athletic clothes in public unless you are really running in the streets.
• Light jacket or sweater for any time of year
• Very good walking shoes

Planning a three-week trip to Europe involves careful packing to ensure you have everything you need while keeping your luggage manageable. Here’s a guide to help you pack efficiently, focusing on a capsule wardrobe that allows for mix and match outfits. You’ll be staying mostly in urban areas, in hotels or Airbnbs, and will have opportunities to do laundry.

• Tops:
  • 4 T-shirts (variety of colors)
  • 2 casual button-down shirts
  • 2 dress shirts
  • 1 lightweight sweater or pullover
• Bottoms:
  • 2 pairs of jeans
  • 1 pair of chinos
  • 1 pair of shorts (for warmer days)
• Outerwear:
  • 1 lightweight jacket
  • 1 waterproof jacket
• Shoes:
  • 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
  • 1 pair of dress shoes
  • 1 pair of casual sneakers or loafers
• Accessories:
  • 5 pairs of socks
  • 5 pairs of underwear
  • 1 belt
  • 1 hat (for sun protection)

• Tops:
  • 4 casual tops
  • 2 dressy blouses
  • 2 tank tops
  • 1 lightweight cardigan or sweater
• Bottoms:
  • 2 pairs of jeans
  • 1 pair of dress pants or a skirt
  • 1 pair of shorts or capris
• Dresses:
  • 2 versatile dresses (can be dressed up or down)
• Outerwear:
  • 1 lightweight jacket
  • 1 waterproof jacket
• Shoes:
  • 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
  • 1 pair of dressy flats or sandals
  • 1 pair of casual sneakers or loafers
• Accessories:
  • 5 pairs of socks
  • 5 pairs of underwear
  • 1 scarf (for layering or style)
  • 1 hat (for sun protection)
  • 1 belt

• Toiletries:
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
  • Soap or body wash
  • Deodorant
  • Razor and shaving cream
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Minimal makeup and skincare products
  • Travel-sized laundry detergent
• Tech and Gadgets:
  • Smartphone and charger
  • Camera and charger (optional)
  • Travel adapter and converter
  • Portable power bank
  • E-reader or a book
• Miscellaneous:
  • Travel documents (passport, tickets, reservations)
  • Copies of important documents (kept separately)
  • Wallet with credit cards and some local currency
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small backpack or daypack
  • Packing cubes (to organize clothing)
  • Ziplock bags (for liquids and small items)

• Mix and Match: Choose neutral colors and versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create different outfits.
• Layering: Pack items that can be layered to accommodate different weather conditions.
• Laundry: Plan to do laundry once a week. Bring a small bottle of travel detergent and use hotel or Airbnb facilities.
• Space Saving: Use packing cubes to save space and keep your luggage organized.
• Comfort: Prioritize comfort, especially for shoes, as you’ll be walking a lot in urban areas.

Packing for a three-week trip to Europe can be manageable with a well-planned capsule wardrobe and the right essentials. By focusing on versatile clothing items and essential accessories, you can ensure a comfortable and stylish journey while keeping your luggage light. Enjoy your travels!

Something to carry your stuff (backpack will be a dead giveaway that you are American, messenger bag is more Parisian and can usually carry all you need for the day. Try not to take any bags into museums because usually bags are requested to be checked in

see WikiVoyage Paris Many, many tourists arrive at airports and train stations to be transported to center Paris every day of the year.