Before you start thinking about what to wear on the French Riviera, you need to get your essential items together. Plane tickets, cruise documents, passports, visas and your wallet should go somewhere accessible yet protected. You may want to consider buying a money belt that can be worn under your clothes. In your wallet, make sure you have your driver's license, credit cards, emergency contact numbers and medical insurance cards. Keep photocopies of all important cards and information in a separate location. Full-color copies of the family's passports are helpful in case of loss or theft.
Don't forget your glasses, contacts, prescription medication and any over-the-counter medication you'd like to bring along. It's always smart to travel with painkillers and something to quell traveler's diarrhea. If you're a light sleeper, pack an eye mask, ear plugs and sleep medication. Melatonin is an herbal alternative to sleeping pills that can help you relax.
Maps of airports and destinations should be in your carry-on luggage or handbag. Keep all travel related information handy. Don't forget your cell phone, charger and a pre-paid international phone card in case of an emergency. Antibacterial hand lotion is great when you're on the go. Keep your camera, connecting cords and memory cards together and in your carry-on baggage. Avoid checking expensive items.
No matter what the season, you'll probably be spending a lot of time at the beach. Summers in the Mediterranean are hot and dry, and winters are mild with lows of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring at least two bathing suits so that you never have to pack a wet one in your day bag. Pack two pairs of sunglasses in case one gets lost, and bring plenty of sunscreen. You'll want to have a hat or visor, bug spray, small first-aid kit, snorkeling gear and beach towels to bring with you to the beach. Usually when you get off the cruise ship, you're gone for at least half the day, so you'll want to have a large, comfortable bag to throw everything in. An underwater camera can be great fun if you plan to snorkel.
Many cruises offer daytime excursions to port cities or other points of interest. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes for walking, and don't forget the socks! You'll want to have loose, comfortable clothing for touring cities and a sweater or jacket for air-conditioned restaurants and cooler weather. Bring a rain jacket or an umbrella. If your cruise ship offers hiking excursions, make sure you have suitable shoes.
Depending on the type of cruise you're going on, there may be formal fancy dinners, casual dining or both. For fancy dinners, women usually wear cocktail dresses and men wear suits or sports jackets. Women should pack a strapless bra for any strapless dresses. Avoid bringing clothing that wrinkles easily, and don't forget your dress shoes. For ladies, choosing one or two pairs of shoes that match several outfits will help save space in your suitcase. For men, go with black or brown accessories and then pack your remaining items to match. Pack items that you can mix and match instead of wasting space with several complete outfits.
