The 2024 Paris Olympics is quickly approaching, and excitement around the event is growing. News about the opening ceremony, athlete’s preparations, the city’s preparations for the games, and the influx of attendees keeps the hype alive and well.
While Paris and participating athletes are getting ready, spectators should also be making similar preparations in advance. If you’re planning to travel to Paris and catch the Olympics in person, it’s best to plan your packing list ahead of time rather than scrambling at the last minute for items you may have forgotten.
To help get you started, here are some essentials to bring when you watch the Paris Olympics.
Sun protection items
With the games kicking off in the summer, you’ll likely be met with the scorching sun and heat, so you need sun protection items for a comfortable and safe Olympics. Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection can keep you safe from the sun’s UV rays.
If you plan to watch any water sports like swimming and diving, you can wear sunnies with polarised coatings to combat the glare reflected on the water’s surface or the harshness of stadium or arena lights. Models from top brands like the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Classic or Oakley Wheel House offer polarisation, allowing you to watch the games in style.
Sunscreen is also essential for protecting your skin from sunburns and long-term skin damage. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, like the lightweight EltaMD, is recommended. Remember to reapply every few hours or more often if you sweat a lot in the Paris heat.
Reusable water bottle
Paris is banning single-use plastics for the Olympic games to curb pollution and minimise waste. A reusable water bottle can be a lifesaver, especially in the heat and after hours of watching games or sightseeing.
Though reusable glass bottles will be provided at the venues, bringing your bottle can be more sanitary and convenient. You can refill it at the many water fountains around the area for easy refreshment throughout the day.
The water bottles from Owala and Hydro Flask are great options, as they’re leak-free, come with handles for easy portability, and keep your water cool for hours. Staying hydrated with a reusable bottle can refresh you while saving the environment from waste.
Anti-theft bag
A bag is crucial for storing and toting around your essentials, especially your tickets, ID, phone, wallet, and more. A small backpack or purse is a great way to carry all these essentials without feeling too heavy or bulky. For extra safety, you can also use an anti-theft bag that protects your precious belongings while watching games or wandering the streets of Paris.
These bags are designed with tough, slash-proof material so thieves can’t cut through your purse and swipe your stuff. This is especially helpful as you might be distracted while watching an event, finding your seats, or going to the venue. Remember, even outside of the Olympics, Paris is a favourite holiday destination, so it’s often packed.
Travelon has a wide variety of anti-theft bags to suit your needs, and the classic messenger bag even has a pocket for your water bottle!
Power bank
It can be a hassle when you want to document a fantastic moment from the games, capture incredible Parisian sights, or text loved ones, only to be met with a dead or dying phone. It can even be more stressful when you need your phone for important information, to contact a companion, or to access emergency services.
Without access to an outlet or enough time to charge your phone before heading to the next event, a power bank is a must-have for charging your device on the go. You won’t have to worry about your phone losing battery while you’re out and about, and it can save you stress in what is expected to be a hectic Olympics.
The Anker 733 Power Bank can charge up to three devices at once, no matter where you go, so it’s ideal for busy phone users.