Paris for the First Time

At Away, travel isn't just what we make products for—it's something we genuinely love to do. In this series, we're following Away employees on the road—sharing their favorite discoveries, packing tips, product must-haves, and the little rituals that make coming home almost as good as the trip itself.

Here's Community Manager, Syboné Tenenbaum's first time to Paris. 

Q: Give us the quick itinerary of your trip—where did you go and was there any specific reason for the trip? 

This was my first time visiting Paris, a lifelong dream that finally happened at 31! When I was a young girl, I wanted to be a fashion designer that moved to Paris. I went for a girls trip, as a gift from my aunts for my wedding last October in lieu of a bridal shower. I had a packed itinerary but left blocks of time to get lost and wander.

Q: Walk us through your packing list and strategy

My packing strategy was to cram everything in a Carry-On to nest in my Medium to have both suitcases on the way back (for clothes and yarn shopping, of course.) 

It was HOT. We caught the heat wave, so cute but also practical was a must for outfits.

I'm a master of optimization. Everything has a place. I love a system and generally pack heavy (but organized!).

In addition to luggage, I brought my Everywhere Bag, Compression Packing Cubes, my beloved toiletry bag from our past collaboration with Dwyane Wade, another set of packing cubes for the way back, a Clear Toiletry Bag, and a Featherlight Tote.

I'm a master of optimization. Everything has a place.

 Strolling along Canal Saint-Martin

Q: What was the absolute highlight of your itinerary?

OMG, the museums! The architecture! The history! The FOOD! It was everything I have dreamed of and more.

Les Gourmet de Ternes was the best meal I think I've had ever—we had artichokes I can't stop thinking about and have been trying to recreate ever since in my kitchen.

La Maison du Pastel was literally the coolest ever (for an artist like me lol). Unfortunately, the largest yarn store of 20+ years closed 2 weeks before I arrived (cries in wool).

I had a religious experience in Parc Monceau; how is a park so beautiful???

The amazing notions store Ultramod Mercerie Paris

---

Shop Syboné's Picks

[[recommendations]]

---

Q: What made this trip stand out from others you've taken?

I traveled alone with my 14 year old sister direct from LA. Traveling together was both lovely and challenging. :') 

It was also my first time traveling since the pandemic. I last went to Culebra, Puerto Rico in January of 2020, so this was a really big deal. It filled my cup in so many ways I didn't even know I needed!

Me and my baby sister—not so baby anymore :')

Q: Any other tips, fun stories, or thoughts you want to share about your trip? 

So many! We took a croissant making class! Met friends for ice cream! Got lost looking for a yarn store and stumbled upon a button store instead. Cried several times in 3 different museums (can you blame me??). Had a religious experience in Parc Monceau because how is a park so beautiful??? Had a blast at Bonpoint buying my new baby niece a Parisian outfit.

My aunts, cousin, and me also randomly got matching tattoos!

MVP of the trip: My shoes that clocked 50 miles over 6 days walking around Paris

 My crying place at Parc Monceau and the iconic Maison du Pastel shop

Q: Can you provide a hit list of your favorite spots?

Here's a Google Maps list with all my favorites!

Q: What's your post-trip ritual for unpacking and settling back in?

Unpack immediately!!!! Do your laundry!!

It was also my first time traveling since the pandemic. It filled my cup in so many ways I didn't even know I needed!

Missed the light show by 2 minutes, and one of the many incredible meals throughout the trip!