The usuals
This packing list aims to tell you what important items you might have not considered taking with you on a Rhône River cruise. Obviously, you know what type of traveller you are, so pack what you normally would on a holiday: passport, paperwork for your trip, clothing, e-reader, tablet, camera, headphones, smartphone, travel insurance with cruise cover, toothbrush, prescription medicine, sunglasses, etc.
Here, we’ll focus on the thing you may not have thought about.
What to check with your operator
Individual river cruise companies have different dress codes, so make sure to check the rules for meals and dinners, and pack accordingly. Most river vessels have small pools and gyms. If you plan on making use of either, take the necessary gear with you.
Also, check with your operator to see what’s included and what’s not. You can expect to find basic toiletries on board (soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion…).
Bathrobe and towels are also provided. Most lines also offer slippers (although you might need to request them). Some companies give a refillable water bottle to use during your trip.
The things you may have missed
Health
UK EHIC card: often overlooked when travelling to Europe, but very important. The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) gives you access to state healthcare in the EEA (European Economic Area) and some other countries. This is important even if you have travel insurance, as some insurers will assume you have the card and reflect that in their pricing and levels of cover. It’s free and easy to apply to.
Medications: you might be able to buy basic medications like paracetamol on the ship, but prices are rarely the best. Bringing a few essentials like paracetamol and allergy-relief tablets with you is a good idea.
Technology
Plug adapters and charging cables: most river ships have two-pin European-style (Type C and F) sockets. You might find that some are also equipped with USB or USB-C sockets. Check with your cruise line before travelling to make sure you bring the right cables and adapters.
Portable batteries: on excursion days, having a portable battery with you might be handy, especially if your mobile phone tends to drain quickly.
E-sim: most mobile networks include free roaming in some countries, but rarely all. Check yours to see whether the country you’re travelling to is covered. If not, you may want to invest in an e-sim. These are digital sim cards providing cheap data in foreign countries. They are particularly suited to river cruises, as – unlike the seas and oceans – rivers will mostly be within cellular signal range
Payment methods
Euros: payments on board the ship will be cashless, but some of the small shops and boutiques in the Rhône Valley’s villages might not take card payments. A small amount of cash is worth having.
Travel multi-currency payment cards: in the last decade, a number of app-based digital banks (also called neobanks) have launched, offering multi-currency accounts and much better foreign-currency exchange rates than traditional banks or high-street bureaux de change. Examples include Revolut, Monzo and Starling Bank. And once you have your card, you can use it on all your travels.
Accessories
Foldable umbrella (year-round): you may have already considered bringing an umbrella with you for travel in early spring or autumn. But – while you can expect sunshine on most days in the south of France – the odd downpour is a possibility. Plus, on an extremely hot day, an umbrella may provide some protection from the sun.
Sunhat or cap: particularly important if travelling in the summer.
Mosquito repellent: gnats and mosquitoes can be a problem for some travellers to the south of France, especially near bodies of water. Taking a repellent with you will let you enjoy evenings on deck without spending your time batting midges away.
Sunscreen: this one may sound obvious, but we want to make sure you don’t forget it. With temperatures reaching the high 30s and low 40s in the summer, you need to protect yourself from the sun.
Day bag (rucksack, backpack…): a must-have to bring essentials with you on excursions
Clothing
Hiking shoes, or at the very least trainers: towns and villages on the Rhône Valley are often built on hills, have uneven pavements and sometimes cobbled streets. You don’t want to sprain your ankle and end your trip with crutches – plan the right footwear.
Activewear: excursions will often involve some amount of walking – you don’t need to dress for a 20km hike, but comfortable clothing is a must. Trust us, no one wants to walk to a hilltop church in 40-degree heat wearing tight jeans.
Poncho, or waterproof jacket and trousers: more relevant for autumn and winter trips, but these can be useful even during summer downpours. Plus, they don’t take up a lot of suitcase space.
Lots of socks: if you’re planning on maximising the excursions, these will come in handy.
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