I have a free packing checklist template for all my email subscribers. Details are at the end of this post.
A QUICK RECAP: For new readers.
In 2010 my family and I set out on an adventure to travel long term with the kids while also working on personal and family goals.
But… travelling long term costs money, so one of my many goals I wanted to accomplish was to create a portable income that I could do from anywhere in the world.
Every few months, I share my entrepreneurial journey and personal update in a progress report.
Today’s post is one of those reports. If you’re interested in doing what we’re doing you should follow along .
This is my fourth report in the series. Here are my other reports | #1 April 2012| #2 May 2012 | #3 July 2012
First An Update: What we’ve been up to.
It’s been almost a year since my family and I moved to France for our family sabbatical. (we arrived the 5th of October 2011).
City Life Isn’t What We Expected
We spent 10 months in Marseille France but quickly realized that although having the amenities of the city was good, it wasn’t the life we thought we were going to have.
We realized we would rather give up some of the big city amenities to live in a smaller, quainter town and more typical French Town.
You know….the kind of city you imagine or see in the movies.
Where little old ladies carry wicker baskets around full of baguettes while walking their miniature dogs and men wear French Berets.
IN SEARCH OF A TYPICAL FRENCH TOWN
We searched for our new dream city in the south of France and found lot’s of nice places but we had some restrictions which limited our choices.
- It was important for us to stay near the water and where it is warm. Hence the South which is bordered by the Mediterranean sea.
- We needed a place that was fully furnished and within our budget. (i.e. less than 1,200 Euros per month).
- It could be a small town but it had to at least have a train station that could access the rest of Europe and have a bus system we could use to get around in the town.
- Lastly, it had to be a good place to raise children. Marseille was fun for a while but I would not want to raise my kids there. Now we can say we lived there but it was time to move on.
We found a small town that surpassed our expectations.
The city is called “La Garde”.
We moved to La Garde on September 1st 2012 and plan on staying another year. Here’s a video about La Garde. Check out the Arial views.
WHAT DO THE KIDS THINK?
The kids all love it here and so do Blake and I.
In less than a month, the kids are already fully integrated in public school. (It was really hard getting all that arranged).
- Our 16 year old joined a soccer team which is called “LE Foot”.
- Our 14 year old is doing judo 3 times a week.
- And our youngest who is five is taking dance and ballet one a week.
INEXPENSIVE COST OF LIVING: AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS + SCHOOL
Get this. It only costs 150 euros for each of my children’s sports for the ENTIRE YEAR. That’s a steal compared to what we’re used to paying.
Back in California, it would have cost a hundred bucks a month for each of the kids activities at minimum.
Did I mention that preschool is completely free . Again, back in California it costs over 1,200 dollars PER MONTH to put a child in preschool.
The cost saving in preschool and yearly sports alone is over 15,000 US dollars which means we don’t’ need to make as much money.
The quality of life here is just amazing.
Medieval Living
We live in the center of town in what is best described as the medieval part of the city. Our flat was built in the 1500′s and walking down our street you really feel like your in a renaissance fair. Cobblestone road, tiny road with lavender hanging from peoples windows. Directly above our flat is what looks like an old castle but is really an old church. You can see it in the photo above.
I even love the official crest or logo of the town. How cool is that? The town we live in has an official crest. So cute.
What can I say? It’s everything we wanted and expected in a small French town. I will fill you in at a later date with the details, photos and video.
WHERE IS LA GARDE?
La Garde isn’t that far from Marseille. It’s only 73 KM or 43 Miles east of Marseille and just 100 miles west of the Italian Border. Bonus, we’re just 10 minutes to the beach.
On To Business
Enough about the city for the moment. Let’s talk about business. I’m excited to announce that I have a FREE GIFT for all my email subscribers.
It’s a downloadable Gift and it’s super useful.
I noticed that a lot of solo-preneurs that have a web presence, (like me) give away something to their readers if they sign up to their newsletter.
Up until recently, I have offered nothing to people who sign up to my newsletter. Not because I didn’t want to give them something. I just had no idea what to give away. I didn’t just want to give away some fluffy piece that you could download and never read or look at.
I wanted to give my readers something really useful and practical.
Then one day it hit me. What’s the one thing that people have in common when it comes to travelling.
“Most people love traveling but HATE PACKING”
I have tons of packing experience, so naturally, I finally connected the dots and thought I’ll create a free packing checklist template that people can print at home and use as a guide to help them end their hatred of packing.
Introducing my gift to you, a free packing checklist template. I like to call it “The Ultimate Packing checklist template” because it has almost everything you would ever need to consider to take on a trip.
I know, I know. It seems really simple and there are tons of packing checklist templates out there but mine is a little different.
- It’s Comprehensive: It has everything the average person would need to bring on most trips from underwear and shirts to safety pins and contraception.
- Use It As Your Guide: You check the items you want to bring in the “BRING COLUMN”
- Quantity Column: Mark the quantity you want to bring if needed.
- Completed Column: Then just start packing all the items on the list and check it off as you pack them.
- Carry On Luggage Column: The best part about the list is I have a column for carry on items. If an item needs to go in your carry on bag, you put a check mark in the Carry-on column. I can’t tell you how useful that one piece is.
Here’s a closeup screenshot of the packing checklist template.
For the moment, it’s a PDF doc and not editable but I may change that.
Now when someone comes to my site they will see the sign up form on the right hand side along with the video below explaining the benefits of using a Travel and packing checklist.
Please take a moment to watch the video and tell me what you think in the comments below.
If you feel like signing up for my “Adventurous Newsletter, you’ll get instant access to it.
That’s all folks. Happy packing.
Check Out These Related Articles
Watch Us On The TV Show “House Hunters International” June (Progress Report #2 May 2012)
Get Paid To Be You! Create A Hire Me Page: (Progress Report #3 July 2012)
Create A Product: Do Your Market Research ( progress report #5 Nov 2012)
Adventures In France #2: One Day In Marseille + Why We Moved To France
21 Responses to “Free Packing Checklist For Travel + Life In Our New French Town (Progress Report#4)”
September 27, 2012
AllieWOW! Annie!
It is awesome that you guys found a great place to live, it’s not an arm and leg AND you all love it. I am so happy for you!
I’ll have to check out your new give-away. I love the video!!! It is so interesting, even if I never travel I would want that list, lol.
~Allie
(dofollow)
Allie recently posted..Attracting Visitors to Your Blog Does Not Equal a Thriving Community
September 28, 2012
Annie AndreHey Allie,
(dofollow)
Thanks so much. We are so super excited.
The checklist is great for any type of travel including your average weekend getaway not just long term travel.
I think you’ll find it very useful. Especially since i know how organized you are.
Annie Andre recently posted..Free Travel Packing Checklist + Life In Our New French Town (Monthly Report#4)
September 28, 2012
AllieAwe! Thanks Annie. But I just appear organized. Lol.
I got the newsletter and list. I thought I already subscribed and that you didn’t send out stuff but apparently I was wrong.
We do get away for weekends a lot, NorCal has some beautiful places to see. So it will be helpful.
~Allie
(dofollow)
Allie recently posted..Attracting Visitors to Your Blog Does Not Equal a Thriving Community
September 28, 2012
AnneI’m glad that you had the courage to change your plans! We know of two families who stayed where they were even though it wasn’t meeting their needs and they have since given up and gone home! It takes COURAGE to change your plans on a trip like this because so many people are watching! Best wishes on your new location!
(dofollow)
Anne recently posted..Prints
September 29, 2012
Annie AndreThanks Anne, It was a no brainer for us. The kids were having the international experience but they were not thriving. Sometimes you gut tells you things and you just can’t explain it. You must follow
(dofollow)
Annie Andre recently posted..Free Travel Packing Checklist + Life In Our New French Town (Monthly Report#4)
September 28, 2012
Sylviane NuccioHi Annie,
How funny… I was just hopping on your blog because I had to link one of your past posts to my new post this week, and then as I as was going back to my own blog I saw you just left a comment there
We are really crisscrossing today!
Anyway, you’d have to go see why I’m mentioning you there
I think you’re like me, you enjoy country better than city, right? I have never been able to live more than 5 years in a big city. I just love the quiet and clam of the country side. I’ve never been to La Garde, but it looks beautiful!
What a wonderful idea you had to create that packing checklist. I’m sure people are going to love it!
(dofollow)
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..False and True Rumors About French People
September 29, 2012
Annie AndreHi Sylviane,
(dofollow)
I think you are right. But i do love the city. I loved San Francisco and Berline, but i loved being just outside the city. Close enough to take advantage of the city but not living in the urban grunge.
Thanks for stopping by.
Annie Andre recently posted..Free Travel Packing Checklist + Life In Our New French Town (Monthly Report#4)
September 28, 2012
AdrienneHey Annie,
Well, welcome back and wow… You guys have already moved. So I’m happy to hear that although there was a lot of headache involved you’re able to stay another year.
La Garde sounds wonderful and you seem very happy with this find. I love saving money s you’re really going to get spoiled now.
Your free giveaway should really entice some people into grabbing that one now. I mean I hate to pack but I hate it even worse when I forget stuff. Dang… Your checklist is going to come in very handy.
Love your video, but you already knew that. Anything you crank out is a winner to me.
Glad you guys are settled and thanks for sharing your adventures with us. Have a wonderful weekend.
~Adrienne
(dofollow)
Adrienne recently posted..How To Rid Spam From Your Facebook News Feed
September 29, 2012
Annie AndreThank You Adrienne,
As you know moving is hell on earth. So the move was not too pleasant. luckily we didn’t have too much stuff. Not like you had to move for your mom.
I’ve gotten so much positive feedback already in regards to the packing checklist.
(dofollow)
Annie Andre recently posted..Free Travel Packing Checklist + Life In Our New French Town (Monthly Report#4)
September 28, 2012
Tim BonnerHi Annie
La Garde sounds like the perfect place to spend a sabbatical and it’s great that you’ve got things set up there so quickly!
Wow, your packing checklist looks fantastic as well and what a great freebie to give away. I don’t generally go anywhere these days but it certainly makes me want to get on a plane!
What a brilliant video too. It kept me interested from start to finish.
I’m going to sign up just so I can show my wife!
Have a great weekend Annie.
Tim
(dofollow)
Tim Bonner recently posted..Experiences Of An Impulse Buyer
September 29, 2012
Annie AndreHi Tim,
(dofollow)
It is great here. And i’m so glad you enjoyed the video. The trend is to make them short so i was worried that 3 minutes would be too too longs..
Annie Andre recently posted..Free Travel Packing Checklist + Life In Our New French Town (Monthly Report#4)
September 29, 2012
Oliver TausendHi Annie,
this wonderful. Congratulations to your new home in La Garde which seems to be a beautiful place. As La Garde is “Ville internet”, you shouldn’t have any problems with your portable business, right?
Hope you enjoy your stay!
Best,
Oliver
(dofollow)
Oliver Tausend recently posted..Guest Posting
October 2, 2012
Annie AndreSo true oliver. But there is internet everywhere in France. LOL..
(dofollow)
Annie Andre recently posted..Free Travel Packing Checklist + Life In Our New French Town (Monthly Report#4)
September 29, 2012
SarahThis packing checklist looks awesome – like an answer to a prayer. I have about 20 lists on my computer now for different trips I have taken. So much better to just use one checklist! Can’t wait to get this printed out and use for my next trip. THANK YOU!
Your new town sounds wonderful too. And how cool you’re taking the opportunity to explore what it’s like to live in different locales.
(dofollow)
Sarah recently posted..Find Your Balance Through The Midlife Transformation
October 2, 2012
Annie AndreHi susan, i totally think you should have one for different types of travel. I have a carry on only luggage packing list. I have another for ski trips. and another for Montreal trips. But this general one should get most people by and help them create their own list.
(dofollow)
Annie Andre recently posted..Free Travel Packing Checklist + Life In Our New French Town (Monthly Report#4)
October 2, 2012
AlanAwesome Annie!
it looks very efficient (which I’m a big fan of) – good idea to put some pictures of it in the post so that people can see exactly what they’re getting.
La Garde looks awesome too – I’m going to have to check it out and maybe even come & say Hi next time we’re over there! – closer to Antibes so it’s gotta be good
Alan
(dofollow)
Alan recently posted..Change: It’s Not As Easy As You Make It Sound…
October 3, 2012
Hannah Hamiltoni came across your blog and find your checklist very helpful. Your new place is very relaxing. Living in the country is something that I’ve always wanted to try, giving city life a break is also a good way to unwind.
(dofollow)
Hannah Hamilton recently posted..Best Black-Owned Bed & Breakfasts on the East Coast
October 8, 2012
Patty S.Hi Annie,
La Garde looks wonderful. So glad you found a new home in France. I’m still working on my plans to move to France – having a hard time staying focused, but am confident I can make it happen.
I enjoy following your adventures – keep up the good work!
October 14, 2012
SoniaI like your new spot better Annie. La Garde looks more family friendly and more peaceful. Now anything close to the coast is always nice, but you’re right about the comparisons to California and you have paid through the nose. Free preschool? Wow, too bad this state wouldn’t adopt a program like that. That will NEVER happen here.
Maybe I should move there? My boss is from France, so I will have to ask him more about your new location. Thanks for the update and great check list. Gonna share this on Pinterest!
(dofollow)
Sonia recently posted..Does Paying for Facebook Posts Mean You’ll Be Paying for Your Klout Score too?
December 17, 2012
Create A Product: Do Your Market Research: Results from recent survey[...] Every few months, In between my career break & family sabbatical tips, resources & stories, I share my entrepreneurial journey and progress with you in a report like this one. Follow along or join in if you like. This is my fourth progress report. Here are my other reports | #1 April 2012| #2 May 2012 | #3 July 2012 | #4 Sept 2012 | [...]
December 26, 2012
Dog Poop: +10 Real Examples Of Culture Shock to Amaze You[...] It’s a beautiful day in the small town where we live in the south of France. [...]