Top 10 Things to Pack for your Direct Sales Conference

If you are a consultant or representative for a direct sales company, then you might be wondering what to pack for your direct sales conference. The conference or convention is a staple of direct sales companies, and usually involves a few days of workshops, training, events, and recognition. Plus plenty of social opportunities for team bonding and networking with other reps. If you’ve never been to one before, then you may be a little unsure what to expect – or to pack. Here is your packing list.

What to pack for your direct sales conference or convention

1. Comfortable, cute layers

Direct sales conventions are often in the summer, and often in warm locations in the southern United States. The events themselves are often in hotels or conference centers that blast the air conditioning. So layers are a must – I also like to keep a pair of leggings in my bag in case it’s really freezing.

2. Something nice

There is usually at least one dinner or another event that calls for something dressier – depending on the expectations for the evening, it could require anything from a little black dress to a ball gown. Your upline should be able to guide you on this one.

3. Something themed

There may be a day or event that calls for a specific theme – glow in the dark, a team shirt or icon, or something else. So be sure to grab something that fits the bill for that part of the conference.

4. Treats for your team/roommates

If your downline team is coming with you, then a team gift is a nice gesture. If you don’t have a downline (yet!) or your team isn’t traveling with you, then a snack bag, or pair of fun, comfy socks for your conference roommates is also a great idea.

5. Cute, comfortable shoes

You will likely be walking a lot – from your hotel room to the sessions, from session to session, to events, to dinner – not to mention in the airport. My favorite comfy, cute shoes are Rothy’s. If you haven’t tried them yet, you are missing out. Here is a link to save $20 on your first pair.

6. A fresh mani

Of course, you want to put your best foot (and hand!) forward with a fresh manicure – do you have a personal brand or team color? Your Color Street manicure can be the perfect way to share that with the other conference attendees.

7. A Portable Charger

No matter where you are, there are simply never enough outlets to go around. This is doubly true at direct sales conferences where you might be going live on your phone to share news and updates, snapping pictures constantly, and trying to manage and update your social media accounts, emails – and whatever else is happening at home- all while on the go. A portable charger like this one is key to keeping your devices going all day.

8. Extra room in your bags

If you’ve never been to a conference before, you may not think about this, but there are always freebies and giveaways. So, depending on what product(s) you sell, think about packing an empty carry-on bag, or choose a slightly larger suitcase than you need and leave home with some spare room in it.

9. Your Business Credit Card

Your expenses on this trip are all business expenses, so be sure to bring whatever card you use for those costs. Having a separate card makes it simpler to keep track of deductions at tax time.

10. Your business card, QR code or another way to network

You will meet people from all over the country, and, depending on your company, the world. Not everyone may use the same social media platforms, so find an easy way to share your info – and gather other people’s – to stay in touch after the conference ends.

So are you ready to pack for your direct sales conference? What are your must-haves? I’d love for you to share them in the comments below.

Want more ideas? Come follow me on Pinterest here.

Refresh: Self-Care Survival Guide

You need a self-care survival guide. It’s not just your imagination. Parenting special needs kids has been shown to be more stressful. However, this stress is not experienced evenly. It depends on the coping mechanisms implemented by the parents. On an airplane, flight attendants advise you to put your oxygen mask on first, before assisting others. Parenting – especially special needs parenting – is no different. It is nearly impossible to keep giving of yourself without maintaining a model of self-care is a recipe for trouble, as Kim Albrecht describes so clearly in this episode of her Lomah Podcast.

With a long list of medical, educational and other demands, self-care often falls to the bottom. This self-care survival guide provides easy ways to fit self-care into your life. You wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth or applying deodorant, so don’t skip these either:

Self-Care Survival Guide

Daily:

Exercise: Just try to be as active as possible. If your kid’s schedule means can’t leave your house, use home exercise equipment. Or walk to the drug store to get the prescription. Or try some of the 7-Minute workout apps or YouTube yoga.

Drink Water: This is a real chore for me. I am not a naturally thirsty person, so I really have to remind myself to drink water. Bubbles help. So does a little flavor, like LaCroix. In colder weather, I often switch to hot water with lemon and a touch of honey.

Eat Real Food: I know, I know – your instinct is to say “I don’t have time to cook” or “I don’t have time to shop,” but this is SO important. You are not only providing positive fuel for your own body you are also modeling this life-long habit for your children. (One “compliment” Mr. Diggy often receives is on the content of his lunches – “so healthy,” “fruits AND vegetables!”) Some of our kids may be non-verbal, but they are still forming habits. Here are some ideas of things I keep in my freezer that help to make this easier.

Weekly:

A Fresh Mani: Well, if it’s a Color Street mani, you can definitely do this every other week. But there are SO many fun options to choose from that you may just want to switch them once a week. Plus, a fresh set of Color Street is a day-brightener every time you look at your hands (even if those hands are washing dishes, or washing a kid who is of an age to wash himself but is not able to or doing your 7th load of laundry…)

Wine or Dessert – or Whatever Else is a Treat for You: Maybe it’s a glass of wine with dinner, a cocktail at happy hour, a mimosa at brunch, or a brownie sundae. Whatever is a treat for you – get one, make one, find one!

Reading: Sure, you spend all day on and off your phone and computer – reading emails, texts, social media, insurance documents, IEP notes, doctor’s reports…but how about reading something that YOU choose. I prefer paper books and non-fiction, but if you like romance novels on a Kindle, then go for it! (Also don’t discount the modeling that this represents as well – B typically reads 90 minutes per day – all material of his own choosing.)

Monthly:

Pedicure: Have you tried the pedicure strips from Color Street? They’re beautiful, they last several weeks, and they apply quickly. Plus they are shaped just right for toes.

Date Night: Or “date” day. Or “date” lunch. Or take out from your favorite restaurant that you enjoy after the kids are in bed/at a sleepover. Rethink and redefine where you can find your time together. The diagnosis has changed your life- you need to change how you do things – not skip them altogether. Of course, if the opportunity to get away together, even for one night, presents itself, seize the day and go!

Mom’s Night Out – or In: You can have a theme, like this one, or just open a bottle of wine – or brew a pot of tea – and call it an event. You can go out to a happy hour, or meet at a restaurant or coffee shop. The specifics don’t matter, just the time. A diagnosis can also change adult friendships, it is important to connect with – and make time to stay connected with – those who are still investing in your friendship.

Quarterly:

Treat Yourself to a Subscription Box: FabFitFun is perhaps the most popular. Causebox has a focus on more sustainably made items. Pick something that will make it feel like Christmas in July – or March – or whenever you need a lift.

Get a Massage: If time and resources permit, then do this more often! If you can splurge on the closest thing you can to a getaway without getting away, do it – some day spas can be very transportive. But there are also a number of places that do head/shoulder/neck massages by the minute – prioritize that!

Refresh your Closet: I have a method to this, that I will share in another post, but do what works for you. Try stuff on. Pull stuff out you haven’t worn in a while – and wear it, or pass it on. And, if a “hole” emerges, then go for a little retail therapy and fill it!

Want to download your copy of the Self-Care Survival Guide?

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Autism Mom Perspectives: Life Beyond the Diagnosis

An autism diagnosis changes not only the world of the person with autism but the world of those around them. Overnight, you become an autism mom. The news can, at first, be paralyzing. Then, often comes a period of intense research – reading everything you can get your hands on, waking up in the middle of the night to google things.

When you begin to put some interventions in place, you can regain some equilibrium and remind yourself that you – and your family – deserve to move forward. The views may be a bit different, but there is still a future to plan for – and even embrace.

What follows are some of the truths we encountered in our family as we have emerged into life beyond the diagnosis.

Our hands are often full…

Though we only have two boys, we often tell people that autism is our third child – it certainly drains our time, energy, and resources like a third child would have.

It feels like we have three kids…

…when we try to travel anywhere- to the grocery store or flying to see the cousins.

…when we plan anything that involves an appointment- dentist, doctor, haircut.

…when we consider what items to put in our home – and where. (I covet some gorgeous glass vases, but I know that I would not enjoy needing to “babysit” my decor.)

Yet our ears are empty…

In other circumstances, it is more as if we have an only child – a single non-adult voice in our home, choosing pizza toppings, voting on travel destinations, and making requests for the next family meal.

It feels like we have an only child…

…when we decide what to have for dinner.

…when we plan special outings and trips for our older son – allowing Mr. Diggy to stay put.

…when B is at a sleepover or camp and the house is eerily quiet.

There is constant motion…

He is a child in seemingly constant motion – indoors, outdoors, jumping, running, swimming, squirming, cuddling and bouncing. We have installed indoor and outdoor swings, indoor and outdoor trampolines, and any number of other items to attempt to satiate his sensory appetite.

And unbelievable stillness…

This motion is punctuated by somewhat unexplainable pauses, usually outside (or inside where the sun passes through a window at the exact right angle). It is at those moments where he embodies the sentiments shared in an Apple commercial highlighting autism awareness: it seems that he sees the wind and hears the flowers.

What we think we know…

It is doubtful that we will ever hear the quintessential teen “I hate you” from Mr. Diggy. But we are more than grateful for the moments of pure, unfiltered adoration and love that we receive – all communicated nonverbally.

We don’t often hear a determined “no” in our home – or any other backtalk or sass, but we do get to witness the power of “yes” when we indulge Mr. Diggy’s longing – nonverbal – requests, for swimming, tickling – or his favorite corn chips.

We have difficulty explaining “goodbye” to the little man – when we leave (which is rare), I’m sure it must feel like we just disappear. There is, however, little else that compares to the joy of his “hello” when we reunite.

And what we can only guess…

We can only begin to imagine what lies behind his unfiltered emotions – pure joy, raw pain, chin-quivering sadness. His eyebrows seem to speak a thousand words – we use them to gauge what we can about what is locked inside him.

What is simpler in our lives…

His needs are often simple – water and food, an unadorned, safe place to sleep. His interests are also often basic – water of any size – from a puddle to the Pacific, a leaf, branch or twig, a surface on which to tap and create his own brand of music.

And what is more complicated…

Something that is quite challenging is sitting and waiting for anything that is not directly for him such as the post office or the grocery store is nearly impossible. Even waiting for something that IS for him – his doctor appointment, haircut, or special needs surfing event – is difficult.

It is easy to feel lonely…

Events and activities that are eagerly anticipated by many others – (including by me before I was an autism mom) – are often something we avoid. So we skip the barbecue, the ice cream social, the birthday party because disruption to the routine so often backfires. We also lack the flexibility to stay up late at night here or there, or to eat out in most restaurants – these exceptions to routine are too hard to explain. The potential fallout outweighs any potential reward.

But not alone…

Since Mr. Diggy was diagnosed more than eight years ago, we have had a constant parade of people in our house – assessing, evaluating, monitoring, teaching, training, observing, and working with him. Our home is their office. In many ways, our home feels very public.

Finding balance…

For Mr. Diggy, free time is not a good thing. Too much unstructured time can easily devolve into a series of stims that eventually fuel a self-propelled meltdown. So we work hard to fill his life with active pursuits that are not too socially overwhelming. This means we skip the carnival and do the hike. It means we opt out of Trick or Treating but opt into an extra session of themed occupational therapy activities. It means we host a barbecue and let Mr. Diggy swim while we cook and eat.

Autism Mom: Piece of Mind/Peace of Mind

There are a lot of ways to live in an autism family. These are my autism mom perspectives. As your family moves beyond your diagnosis, you need to do what works for you. At first, an autism diagnosis can seem like a band or orchestra entirely out of tune, with dozens of instruments competing for the spotlight. Each project, question, demand, therapy – so many things to manage simultaneously. When you make your autistic loved one the soloist – but not the conductor – you can begin to move toward a place of harmony.

Looking for more ideas to find and maintain your quality of life post-diagnosis? Download out my free Self-Care Survival Guide here.

Causebox Summer 2019

Causebox Summer 2019 was my first purchase from this newer subscription box service. It is a little different than the more “mainstream” subscription boxes, in that there is a little less customization to be done (I chose colors, but not wholly different products, except for the cleanser). Also, each product is specially selected to bring value to the subscriber, but also because it improves the world in some way. Tall order? Yup. Here’s what I found in my first box. Want to try a Causebox of your own? Click here.

Causebox Summer 2019 Altru Straw Tote

The Product: This straw tote not only carries your beach essentials but also helps support beach and ocean conservation efforts.

The Scoop: A great size – holds a lot, but appears more like a purse. I tend to travel light in the summer, but when I need a bag, I find myself grabbing this one.

Value: $50

Verdict: A great summer bag.

Causebox Summer 2019: Quagga Green Waterproof Bag

The Product: Quagga Green repurposes plastic bottles to keep them out of the ocean, creating a useful, waterproof bag. Additionally, they donate a portion of proceeds to help preserve wildlife: win-win-win!

The Scoop: While this was billed as a “bikini bag,” at our house, it’s much more useful for a kid. Mr. Diggy is messy – like get wet and dirty on a daily basis kind of messy. We have used this several times a week since it arrived.

Value: $25

Verdict: It does what it says it does.

Causebox Summer 2019 Banded2Gether Scrunchies

The Product: Fun, soft scrunchies from a company that donates three meals for each product sold. Banded2Gether makes scrunchies, headbands, and other hair accessories.

The Scoop: No matter who makes them, these slide right out of my short, straight hair – so I was happy to gift them to a scrunchie-loving friend. Bonus – the company donates a portion of profits to children in need.

Value: $10

Verdict: A great gift!

Causebox Summer 2019 All Good Sunscreen

The Product: All Good sunscreen provides sun protection that is not greasy, fragrance-free, made with non-nano zinc, and is reef-safe.

The Scoop: Great coverage – love that it’s reef-friendly, organic and non-irritating. Would buy again.

Value: $15.99

Verdict: It’s almost gone! Need to get some more.

Causebox Summer 2019 Hanalei Powdered Cleanser

The Product: The Papaya Enzyme powdered cleanser activates when it contacts water. Like all of Hanalei’s products, it is 100% cruelty-free, as well as free of other harmful ingredients like sulfates.

The Scoop: I like the concept, but I’m still using up another cleanser, so I haven’t used it a ton.

Value: $35

Verdict: Wait and see.

Causebox Summer 2019 Reduce Everyday Shatterproof Tumbler

The Product: This tumbler is not glass, so it’s safe for poolside and other active settings. It is insulated, so it keeps drinks colder longer, and Reduce supports river cleanups with a local charity partner.

The Scoop: A great summer beverage glass. Keeps things cold and safe for poolside use. Every time you use, it’s one less plastic bottle you’ll grab for.

Value: $12.99

Verdict: Practical and attractive.

Causebox Summer 2019 Tribe Alive Wrap

The Product: The highest valued item in the box, this is from Tribe Alive and is handmade by artisans in India.

The Scoop: That being said, I seem to have struck out with the wraps and kimonos this summer. This one was WAY too big for me, despite the claim of being “one size fits all.” It is a great fabric, however, so I filled in the neck hole with a remnant and make it into a blanket – much like a Turkish towel. It can still be used as a sarong, etc. and I think it’s a great tweak!

Value: $118

Verdict: Updated with a little tweak, it’s great.

Ready to get in on the next Causebox? Click here.

Want more ideas? Come follow me on Pinterest here.

Nail Care Tips for the Perfect 10

Nail care and nail health are important aspects of self-care. These nail care tips will help you maintain your nails – and keep them looking gorgeous as well! Not only are your fingernails visible to nearly everyone you see on a daily basis, but they also protect the skin of your nail beds. Are you taking the best possible care of your nails? If you know you could do better with nail care, here are some tips to consider:

Nail Care Tips: Your Overall Health

Are you drinking enough water? If you’re like many people, the answer is probably no. Your body’s overall level of hydration can have an impact on your nails too
Vitamins and minerals: Biotin and other B vitamins top the list, but nails can also benefit from adequate iron, magnesium, and protein.
Sunscreen and moisturizers – depending on your lifestyle, your hands may need more sunscreen than you think! And even if you are indoors from 8-5 most days, you may not be moisturizing your hands enough. Try this one from Sally Hansen.

Nail Care Tips: For your Hands

Cuticles: push back with one of these, rather than trimming
Consider a nail strengthener, like this one from Nailtiques, if your nails are particularly weak
Use a gentle remover- like Mineral Fusion, to minimize damage when removing polish

Nail Care Tips: For your feet

Consider a foot mask to help you soften and smooth your feet.
Exfoliate dry skin in the shower or tub, using a brush or mesh sponge
Moisturize your feet regularly, wearing socks over the cream while sleeping if weather permits

Nail Care Tips: Nail Polish

Over time, you may experience damage to your nails with gel and acrylic products. But it can be difficult to move away from those products without your nails feeling even more vulnerable.
Using a nail polish product that does not involve heat or tools to apply or remove can help protect your nails while they recover.
Color Street is a 100% nail polish product that has helped my nails grow and become stronger.

Nail Care Tips: Color Street

Here are my HOT tips for applying Color Street 100% Nail Polish Strips. You can also watch my application video here.

Heat: Be sure the strips are at warm room temperature before applying – too cold and they can be stiff, too hot and they may become sticky.
Order: Be sure to save your thumbs for last – they are your best tool for application.
Time: I recommend applying Color Street nail polish strips at night and then letting them cure overnight.

A Few More Nail Care Tips:

Be sure your hands are clean AND dry – and avoid plunging hands in water for 30 minutes after application.
If you tend to have oily nails, you can try washing with a bit Dawn or other dishwashing liquid before applying.
-If you tend to have dry nails, be sure to use a moisturizer before (but not immediately before) application, and consider using a nail strengthener like Nailtiques.
Never peel off nail polish or nail polish strips – that can damage the nail. For more tips on nail polish removal, click here.

Are you ready to try some Color Street? Click here to shop.

Want more ideas? Come follow me on Pinterest here.

The Best of Paris: 6 Sweet Treats that are Worth the Walk

In planning a trip to Paris, there are certain sweet treats that seem impossibly hyped – which at some point makes you wonder if those macarons or that ice cream can actually be that good. On a recent sibling trip to Paris, my thirteen-year-old and I put our sweet tooths to the test – and can verify that these sweet treats do live up to their reputation:

Sweet Treats in Paris #1: The Macarons from Ladurée

They are everywhere – even multiple locations at the airport – and for good reason. The macarons were exquisite. (The only reason I didn’t end up with a caseload of them at the airport after our flight was delayed was that my husband is allergic to them, so I thought arriving home four hours later than expected with a “gift” he couldn’t eat would not go over well!) Bonus: my son proclaimed his Ladurée chocolate éclair to be the best of the trip.

Ladurée: Multiple locations including 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées +33 1 40 75 08 75

Sweet Treats in Paris #2: Any dessert from Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

To be fair, even in two visits, we didn’t try EVERY dessert on the menu- but we did try enough to support this claim. The chocolate vacherin (tower of meringues layered with ice cream and topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce) and dessert sampler both shone. As did the gateau du Relais and the creme brulee.

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte: Multiple locations, including 20 Rue Saint-Benoît +33 1 45 49 16 00)

Sweet Treats in Paris #3: Tarts from La Pâtisserie des Rêves

A recommendation from a French high school student of ours, this small pâtisserie had a tantalizing center table of both large and small formats of exquisite tarts. We sampled the lemon and chocolate – both fantastique. In addition, there were precious gift boxes of other treats – including very delicious pâtes de fruits.

La Pâtisserie des Rêves: Multiple locations including 93 Rue du Bac +33 9 72 60 93 19

Sweet Treats in Paris #4: Hot chocolate from Angelina

For a combination of reasons, it wasn’t until our last full day in Paris that we tasted this amazingly thick and rich combination of “drinking chocolate” served with a bowl of whipped cream to scoop into your cup. When our US-bound flight was delayed the next morning, we didn’t hesitate to stop one more time.

Angelina: Multiple locations, including Angelina Paris 226 Rue de Rivoli +33 1 42 60 82 00

Sweet Treats in Paris #5: Ice Cream (and Sorbet) from Berthillon

I tend toward the sorbets, and was mesmerized by my framboise et rose (raspberry and rose) scoop. B enjoyed his dark chocolate ice cream thoroughly.

Berthillon: 29-31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île +33 1 43 54 31 61, but available at several nearby cafes as well.

Sweet Treats in Paris #6: Anything from La Maison du Chocolat

One of our very last stops on our trip (so that we had a hope of bringing some treats back to the US intact!), I insisted on navigating the process in French (well as much chocolate-relevant French as I could muster!), so I’m not entirely sure what we tasted – but everything we tasted was excellent. And we picked the most transportable-looking items to bring back as gifts. I’m happy to report they all arrived safely and were promptly consumed upon arrival!

La Maison du Chocolat: 19 Rue de Sèvres +33 1 45 44 20 40

To learn about teen-friendly restaurants in Paris (where your kid doesn’t have to dress up!), click here.

To discover how to maximize your time in Paris, click here.

Want more ideas? Come follow me on Pinterest here.

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box: Packed with Goodies

Have you seen the Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box? There are a lot of fun items in the box – many of which you can choose. Once a quarter, this box of fun shows up at your door – which is itself a total day brightener. Then you get to enjoy the items inside over the next few weeks and months.

The Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box is available now. Want to see my choices? Check them out below. Want to make your own choices? Click here to order yours and save $10 with code VACATION10.

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box: The Good…

west elm Indigo Tie Dye Bowls

Beautiful, practical and stackable – three great characteristics for kitchenware. I have enjoyed using these bowls for a variety of snacks, treats, and fruits – and received a lot of compliments on them.

Value: $39

Verdict: Love them!

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box west elm Indigo Tie Dye Bowls

Eyeko London Eye Do Black Liquid Eyeliner

A great black eyeliner- easy to control, works well. I don’t do the full cat’s eye look, but I think it would be excellent for those who do.

Value: $22

Verdict: Would buy again.

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box Eyeko Eyeliner

Invisibobble Original Duo Pack Hair Elastics

I like these- they work well. I have used them to put my hair up (which I do only occasionally) and they hold my straight, somewhat slippery hair well.

Value: $16

Verdict: Great product for my straight hair.

Grace & Stella Rose Facial Spray

A fun product, but not super essential. I like the scent, but I don’t walk around spraying myself all day. (I plan to keep it in my desk at school and I’ll use it to freshen up the air after meeting with a room full of sweaty freshmen.)

Value: $25.95

Verdict: Fun, but maybe not the most practical item in the box

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box Grace & Stella Rose Spray

Jennifer Zeuner Star Double Necklace

I like it, but even for a somewhat petite person like me it “disappears” a bit. It also gets tangled easily. It is a low-key piece of jewelry and one I tend to wear layered with more statement pieces.

Value: $50

Verdict: Nice, but…

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box Jennifer Zeuner Necklace

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box The Bad…

Spiritual Gangster Maya Kimono

A black kimono with a white floral pattern – pretty to look at, but, unfortunately, a dud. This was my first FFF coulda woulda shoulda – the kimono was too big for me, so I shared it with a friend. Her verdict – definitely a robe, not for out-of-home use. It’s floppy and ill-fitting – I should have picked the Bum Bum cream that was an option here.

Value: $60

Verdict: Should have picked the Bum Bum Cream

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box Spiritual Gangster Kimono

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box: And the Meh…

Whish Exfoliating Foot Mask

I’ve tried this multiple times- I don’t really notice a difference. Maybe my feet were already perfectly smooth???

Value: $32

Verdict: Meh.

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box Whish Foot Mask

Generation Clay Ultra Violet Brightening Clay Mask

I’ve tried it, but not sure how well it works. To be fair, I haven’t used it daily (because I keep forgetting!) so maybe that would make a difference. But it DID match my nails in this picture – so there’s that!

Value: $39

Verdict: Not sure on this one.

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box Generation Clay Mask

COOLA Organic SPF 30 Makeup Setting Sunscreen spray

This product is ok- but I don’t use it often. I think if I was attending a lot of outdoor summer weddings and such it might have been more useful.

Value: $36

Verdict: It’s not a match for my current lifestyle.

Summer 2019 FabFitFun Box COOLA Sunscreen Spray

Have you checked out what was in my spring 2019 FabFitFun box? Click here to see what was in there.

No matter what’s in the box, it’s great to have a few fun surprises show up in the mail every few months. Want to try one? Click here to order yours and save $10 with code HARVEST10.

Is the Paris Museum Pass Worth it? 4-Day Pass Review

As you plan a trip to Paris, you may be asking, “Is the Paris Museum Pass worth it?” The four-day pass for one adult (62 Euro at the time of our visit), gained skip the line access for both my 13-year-old son and I as we toured Paris.

For reasons beyond our control, we were actually outside of Paris for one full day of our four days – if we could have rearranged our schedule a bit (or if the pass allowed you to choose the four days you wanted to use it), we could have used the pass even more fully. Even still, the pass was definitely worthwhile. We would have spent 90 Euro in 3 days (or up to 150 Euro if we had four consecutive days), but the skip-the-line access was also helpful during our peak summer visit.

So, is the Paris Museum Pass worth it?

To help you decide if it will work for you, you can read how we spent our time.

Youth under 18 are granted free admission for most museums in France (though not other attractions like the Eiffel Tower), so prices listed are for one adult, in the summer of 2019.

Paris Museum Pass Day 1:

Musee d’Orsay (14 Euro)

The line wasn’t terrible, but we were still happy to skip it. We visited on a Tuesday, which is less than ideal, as many other museums in the city are closed that day. However, we still managed to enjoy plenty of impressionist masterpieces, as well as the grandeur of the museum itself.

Arc de Triomphe (12 Euro to climb, 0 Euro to gawk from the Champs Elysees)

There was a special military event the day we visited, but we still managed to gain quick access with the pass and the views were worth it. This was my first climb to the top, but my son said it was one of his favorite things we did.

Paris Museum Pass Day 2:

Orangerie (9 Euro)

We visited first thing in the morning, and the line, even with the pass, was long. But, like most museums in Paris, it was the security check that took the time, not that the museum was at capacity. While we, of course, enjoyed the large Monets, the collection on the lower floor was also very worthwhile.

Rodin Museum (13 Euro)

A quick stop here to see the thinker – we would likely have skipped this altogether without a pass, but it is SO close to Invalides, I’m glad we had the pass and popped in.

Les Invalides (12 Euro)

Easy access to Napoleon’s Tomb, plus World War II museums. We did need to get a free youth ticket to scan everywhere, but once we understood that part it was easy.

Paris Museum Pass Day 3:

Versailles (20 Euro)

We visited on a day with the musical gardens, which cost extra to view. It was nice, but not necessarily worth the extra cost (typically free access). The museum pass line for the chateau itself was long – and managed to get even longer while we waited in it. The only way to avoid it would be a timed ticket. The museum pass is also valid at the Grand and Petite Trianon palaces, but note that they open at noon. Best bet is to be in line by 9 (not walk off the RER train at 9, like we did!)

Pantheon (9 Euro)

From Versailles, we took the RER back to the southern portion of the city, and worked our way north through the Jardin de Luxembourg, en route to the Pantheon. Stunning from the outside, and interesting on the inside, we missed the time window to climb to the top, but that is an option from April to October (3 Euro additional).

“Day 4″: (if we could have used the days not in sequence)

Sainte Chapelle (10 Euro or 15 combined with Conciergerie)

Stunningly gorgeous – a can’t-miss stop, even for my utterly secular teenaged son. The stained glass literally takes your breath away. (And skip the line access would have been nice here!)

Conciergerie (9 Euro or 15 combined with Sainte Chapelle)

Right next door to the Sainte Chapelle and a different world – mostly highlighting its use as a revolutionary-era prison. No line at the time we went, but you can skip the line with a pass.

Picasso Museum (14 Euro)

Closed Mondays – but we would have gone in if we were able. Highly recommended, especially for tweens and teens.

Centre Pompidou (14 Euro, or 5 Euro for the panoramic view)

We went for the air conditioning – and the shop – but would have checked out more with the pass.

Louvre (17 Euro)

After two tries to wait in the Museum Pass line (there are days the museum is so full that it is closed unless you have a timed ticket), our third trip was the charm. But because our pass was expired, we went with the timed ticket option (and even that was sold out on the Louvre website, so we snagged one from the same tour company we had used for a chateaux tour.)

So is the Paris Museum pass worth it? It was for us, with the caveat to get to Versailles early, and either get in line VERY early at the Louvre or spring for timed tickets.

Pro tip: We purchased our RER tickets to Paris, a Metro carnet (book of 10 tickets) and Museum Pass at the tourist office at Charles de Gaulle airport. It was helpful to have those items right away and be able to hit the ground running.

To learn about five teen-friendly restaurants in Paris – where you don’t have to dress up – click here.

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7 Surefire Tips to Maximize your Time in Paris

Maximize Your Time In Paris #1: Stay in a central location

For us, this meant a hotel just off the Rue de Rivoli. The room was small – but we were barely in it – and the bathroom was generous by most European standards (especially the high-mounted rainfall shower). What mattered most to us was that les Jardins de Tuileries was basically our front yard for the week. So nearly every day started with being able to stand and look to our left and see the Louvre, and to our right and see the obelisk of the Place de la Concorde framed by the distant Arc de Triomphe, with the Eiffel Tower peeking up above the trees. Without going anywhere, we were everywhere, and we rarely more than 15-20 minutes from anything we wanted to see.

Maximize Your Time In Paris #2: Walk when there is a lot to see on the way

We did this several times, like, for example, walking from les Catacombes in the southern part of the city, through le Jardin du Luxembourg, and detouring to the Pantheon before crossing the Seine back to our hotel in the first. We also walked from les Invalides (the military museum) to the Eiffel Tower, before catching a bateau mouche (river boat) on the Seine back to the first arrondissement.

Maximize Your Time In Paris #3: Metro when there’s not – or Metro one way, and walk the other

For other destinations, like Montmartre, we chose the Metro and walked once we got there (including to the top of the Sacre Coeur). Our visit to the Arc de Triomphe began with a metro ride from Musee d’Orsay to the Arc and ended with a stroll down les Champs-Elysées back to the first (with the obligatory Ladurée stop on the way).

Maximize Your Time In Paris #4: Eat where you are

Find a café or bistro near – or on the way to or from – your day’s itinerary – fold your meals into your travels. If you want to eat at Cafe de Flore or Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, then plan a visit to the St. Germain before or after your meal. Or conversely, if you are visiting the Eiffel Tower, choose Cafe Aux Cerises, or another nearby spot. And, unlike most places in the US, the food offered in museums is often quite good – and we even had a very serviceable croissant from a gas station! (Read more here.)

Maximize Your Time In Paris #5: Use the Museum Pass…

We found the four-day pass to be worthwhile for our fast-paced, someone flexible style of travel. It allowed us to pop into places for a short while, and also skip several lines. (Do note that some attractions and options, such as the Eiffel Tower, les Catacombes, and timed tickets are not included with the museum pass.) (Read more here).

Maximize Your Time In Paris #6: …Except at the Louvre

Despite being a location that accepts the Museum Pass, we found ourselves unable to visit the Louvre using our pass, due to the museum being at capacity. So either wait in the pass line first thing in the morning (which didn’t fit into our schedule) or get a timed ticket (enter through the Richelieu archway).

Maximize Your Time In Paris #7: Buy as many timed tickets in advance as possible – but also leave room for flexibility

We bought timed tickets for the Eiffel Tower, the Catacombs, the Atelier Van Gogh art exhibit, and, eventually, for the Louvre. We also reserved our Loire chateaux tour (with Paris City Vision), as well as purchased most of our train tickets in advance. This was especially important for our TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse – the high-speed rail line in France) return from Tours, for example, as TGV run less frequently, but travel much more quickly, so you don’t want to risk not having a seat. We did, however, leave pockets of flexible time, where we chose to do things like pop into the Rodin museum with our Museum Pass, linger at our neighborhood cafe, or wander through the carnival that was set up in our “front yard” at the Tuileries.

I hope these 7 tips to maximize your time in Paris help you plan your best trip ever!

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The Best of Paris: 5 Places to eat out in Paris – without Dressing up

For many people, the best of Paris means eating out. Family travel in Europe is an entirely different beast. I was lucky enough to travel recently with my thirteen-year-old son on a “sibling trip.”

Packing for a trip to Paris means you may put a bit more thought into what you’ll wear on vacation – not that you’ll instantaneously turn into a chic parisienne, BUT you don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb either. That is, until, you plan to take a teenage boy to Paris with you.

Do you have a teen or tween who is seemingly allergic to collared shirts or non-athletic footwear? If so, you may be wondering where you might possibly eat in Paris – besides gas stations (where we did find surprisingly good food!) – without either breaking the dress code or going clothing shopping (to which your teenage boy may also be “allergic”). We spent a week in Paris, with several day trips, and found several great choices throughout the city. We also indulged in more than our fair share of treats – most of which were really worth the hype.

In no particular order, here are five tween- and teen-friendly restaurants that we enjoyed:

Best of Paris: Near the Musee d’Orsay – Le Drop Cafe:

A few blocks from the Musee d’Orsay, this gem has indoor and outdoor seating, an extensive menu and service continu (meaning they don’t close in between traditional lunch and dinner hours). Perhaps the best croque monsieur of the trip was enjoyed here, as well as an excellent gateau au chocolat.

Le Drop Cafe: 36 Rue de Bellechasse +33 1 45 51 54 09

Best of Paris: Near the Eiffel Tower – Aux Cerises:

There are lots of high-priced, and touristy options in the shadow of the Tour Eiffel. Just around the corner from the Champs de Mars (the large park in front of the tower), this cafe accommodated us easily for a tasty lunch (and did an admirable job serving both the tables of Parisian regulars to our left as well as the American tourists with two kids under five to our right).

Aux Cerises: 47 Avenue de Suffren +33 1 42 73 92 97

Best of Paris: For meat lovers – le Relais de l’Entrecote:

Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also so good we ate here twice in one week. The only decisions to be made are 1) what to drink (wine for me, Orangina for B) and 2) how you want your steak cooked (I recommend medium rare, a point). Then sit back, relax, and enjoy your salad, bread, and beverage of your choice. Surprisingly quickly, the FIRST round of perfectly cooked steak and crispy, salty fries are in front of you. (I found the sauce delicious, Brother B preferred his sans la sauce, s’il vous plait). Pace yourself, because a second round is coming at you, when you have finished the first. And we didn’t even get to dessert.

Le Relais de l’Entrecote: Multiple locations, including 20 Rue Saint-Benoît +33 1 45 49 16 00

Best of Paris: For literary nostalgia – Cafe de Flore:

Around the corner from the slightly more famous Cafe des Deux Magots, Ernest Hemingway and other contemporaries once frequented this charming, if slightly touristy, cafe. We found the menu here to be flexible and tasty. While the outdoor tables are tiny and close together, the inside was comfortable for even larger groups (which we found to be somewhat of a rarity in central Paris).

Café de Flore: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris +33 1 45 48 55 26

Best of Paris: For Breakfast through Tea Time – Angelina:

This Parisian chain is a solid choice for meals and snacks from breakfast through tea time. Famous for the chocolat chaud, we enjoyed sandwiches, salads, pastries and more during our week in town. The location closest to our hotel was a bit fancier, but not in a discriminatory way, and the location at Versailles we visited (in the Chateau itself!) had both casual and formal options available in the same venue.

Angelina: Multiple locations, including Angelina Paris 226 Rue de Rivoli +33 1 42 60 82 00

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