The Modern Creative Women & Girl Boss present

✨ To do immediately
-Check date on passport – make sure it is good for 6 months after you plan to return home
-Make two color photocopies of passport

✨ Email Amy the following
-Flight itinerary – airline, flight number, dates and time
-Hotel
-Color copy of your passport
-Copy of your health insurance card and travel insurance information
-Two emergency contacts – email and phone number
-Any prescriptions 
-Any medical conditions or allergies

✨ Email Aurora the following
-Photos of your face (from the front and each side) without make-up or filters, hair tied back, natural light, ideally facing a window, without direct sunlight on your face.
-Photos of you in everyday outfits (no professional portraits or selfies.)
-Style goals (for example: enhancing beauty, embracing your age and body, looking younger, etc.).
-Measurements: shoulder circumference, chest circumference, bra size, waist circumference, hip circumference, weight, and waist height.
-A full-body photo in tight sportswear (bra + shorts) or lingerie, whichever you prefer, to see your body type: 1 picture from the front and 1 from the back.
-Photos of looks or styles that inspire you (not necessarily what you would wear, but what you like on others—this could include pictures of movie stars, influencers, etc.).
-Information about whether your hair color is natural or if it’s been colored.

✨ Travel tips ✨
-If you realize your suitcase is a little too full, leave behind clothes and keep your selection of walking shoes. You can easily buy clothes in Paris, but you want to have sensible walking shoes that are already broken in.

-Always say Bonjour when you enter a shop and before you ask for assistance at a café or museum. In the US, we might smile or nod instead of saying hello, but in France, a Bonjour is essential. Always say Merci beaucoup when you leave.

-Try speaking French when you can. You will probably get a French lesson too as people will correct your speaking. While we don’t tend to correct people speaking in the US, the French consider helping you get your French correct an essential part of being hospitable. 

-Say Excusez-moi if you need assistance, need to pass someone or if you bump into someone.

-While considered a safe city, the usual precautions of being in a big city apply in Paris. If a stranger approaches you asking questions, offering you a cab ride, or trying to sell you something, keep walking. You can say nothing or Non, merci. Avoid letting anyone put jewelry on your wrist. Do not sign any petitions or stop for anyone with a clipboard asking questions. Keep your bag closed. Keep alert and step aside if you need to check your phone. If one woman is looking up directions on her phone, the other should be alert and not on her phone. Avoid using your phone on the train or in crowds. 

-The French tend to be more reserved and quiet than Americans on public transport, in stores, and in restaurants. They see this as giving one another space, privacy and respect. They tend to give you privacy when you are shopping and wait for you ask for assistance. You will also get this same privacy at a restaurant. The server will not hover or bring your check until you indicate you need assistance or the bill. You can make eye contact and nod or hold up your hand for assistance. If you have a certain time you want to leave the restaurant, let the server know.

Your Hostesses
Dr. Amy Backos and Aurora Davoli each bring you decades of experience in creativity, style, art, branding, and authenticity. Both have led many curated international group excursions, so you are sure to have an amazing experience with unique, artistic touches.

Dr. Backos is founder of The Modern Creative Woman and teaches women the art and science of creativity. An award winning professor and author with books translated into three languages, she brings a unique eye for how art and creativity can enhance your authenticity. Her dream is to make the world a better place through creativity for women around the globe.

Ms. Davoli is founder of the IMM (New Image, New Mindset, New Me) self-leadership coaching method and of the Youtube channel @AuroraGirlboss. She lives in Paris, offering connections for luxury accommodations, dining and shopping, as only a local can! She brings you behind-the-scenes knowledge from her decades in the fashion industry, coupled with her training in coaching and skill in authentic styling and personal branding.

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