7 Things an Editor Wishes She Hadn’t Packed for Paris

A few weeks ago, I traveled to Paris for the first time ever. When I say that packing for the three-day trip in which the weather was all over the map was challenging, it’s an understatement, to say the least.

I was determined to bring only a carry-on for the trip, even though I’m not typically the lightest packer. But I succeeded. Then, much to my surprise, I was informed by someone that Air France weighs carry-on luggage combined with your personal item before going through security at Charles de Gaulle Airport, and the maximum weight allowable is only 26.4 pounds. There was no way my luggage would be under the weight limit, so I had to check it, defeating the purpose of cramming my belongings into a carry-on in the first place.

All of this got me thinking about the things I wish I hadn’t brought to Paris—and which things I don’t know what I would’ve done without. Keep scrolling for my list of travel nonnegotiables and the items I’ll probably leave at home next time.

Should’ve Left Behind: A Fourth Pair of Shoes

Glad I Packed: Sneakers