The aroma of freshly baked croissants hung heavy in the air, mingling with the distant, dreamy hum of Parisian life. My friend, Alex, and I exchanged grins – the kind that say, “We actually did it! We’re in Paris, and we’re not going broke doing it!” Our “affordable adventure” was officially ON, and thanks to some smart packing (and a few indispensable gadgets), we felt totally ready for whatever magic Paris decided to throw our way.
Our game plan? Ditch the pricey tourist traps (mostly). Hunt down hidden gems. Eat our weight in cheap, delicious pastries. And basically, soak up every ounce of Parisian charm without emptying our bank accounts. This meant miles of walking, mastering the Métro, and squeezing every drop of joy out of every free or low-cost experience.
Let’s be real, the flight to Paris is a marathon, not a sprint. And the thought of being tethered to those flimsy, ear-ache-inducing airline earbuds for hours? Hard pass. Enter the AirFly Pro 2. This little hero, no bigger than a pack of gum, was our immediate flight MVP.
“Ready for our in-flight movie experience?” Alex chirped, pulling out his comfy noise-cancelling headphones. I just plugged the AirFly Pro 2 into the seatback screen – it’s ridiculously easy, no fumbling needed. Boom! Within seconds, we were both wirelessly connected, sharing the audio from the same movie. It was like having our own private, crystal-clear cinema at 30,000 feet, minus the tangled wires and tinny sound. Seriously, the audio quality is fantastic. It set the perfect chilled-out vibe for our arrival. And with 25+ hours of battery life, it powered us through the entire journey, no sweat.
Once we touched down and navigated the RER to our delightfully charming (and yes, tiny) Airbnb in the Latin Quarter – think student vibes and endless affordable eats – we quickly realized space was a precious commodity. This is where the ButterFly SE waltzed in like a graceful ballerina. Our iPhones and Apple Watches are basically our adventure command centres: navigation, photos, quick translations, Métro schedules – they do it all. But multiple chargers and tangled cables? Absolutely not.
The ButterFly SE, with its genius ultra-compact, foldable design, was a revelation. When it’s closed, it’s barely bigger than an AirPods Pro case. Unfold it, and voilà! Two magnetic charging pads appear. Every evening, we’d simply pop it open on our minuscule bedside table, magnetically snap our iPhone and Apple Watch into place, and boom – both devices charging simultaneously from a single USB-C port. No more hunting for extra outlets, no more spaghetti junction of wires.
One sunny afternoon, while enjoying a truly Parisian picnic of fresh baguette and cheese by the Seine, we even used the ButterFly SE in its “hands-free stand” mode. Alex propped up his iPhone to watch a quick video on Parisian history while our devices discreetly topped up their power. It’s those little, thoughtful conveniences that make all the difference when you’re trying to keep things light and easy. Plus, it looks super sleek and premium – very Parisian chic!
Our Parisian adventure was all about pounding the pavement. We explored charming hidden passages, bustling markets, and grand avenues, often with our phones glued to our hands – snapping photos, navigating the confusing (but efficient!) Métro, and even attempting some friendly banter with local vendors. Let’s be real, battery anxiety is the ultimate buzzkill when you’re trying to seize the day.
And then there was the PlugBug Slim with Find My. This little dynamo became our unsung hero. We grabbed the 50W version with two USB-C ports, perfect for zipping power into both our phones at once. Its ultra-slim profile was a total game-changer. Parisian outlets can be notoriously tricky, often tucked behind ancient furniture or in super tight corners. The PlugBug Slim just slid right in, no drama, unlike those chunky brick chargers.
But the real magic trick? The “Find My” integration. One afternoon, after a whirlwind visit to the Louvre and a celebratory scoop of Berthillon ice cream on Île Saint-Louis, a wave of panic washed over us. Alex’s PlugBug was gone. Poof! Then it hit me: “Check Find My!” A quick tap on my iPhone, and there it was – that little red dot on the map, chilling out right at the ice cream parlour! We dashed back, and sure enough, it was tucked under our table. No more frantic retracing of steps, no more desperate searches for an emergency airport charger. That peace of mind? Absolutely priceless.
It’s literally the world’s first charger with built-in Find My, and for anyone prone to leaving a trail of forgotten accessories (guilty as charged!), it’s an absolute godsend. Plus, the interchangeable international adapters (which come neatly packed in a travel case with the PlugBug Travel versions) mean we’re already set for our next global escapade.
Our affordable Parisian adventure was nothing short. We navigated the city like seasoned locals, stumbled upon quaint bookstores and lively jazz clubs, hiked all the way to Sacré-Cœur for jaw-dropping views, and even caught a delightful (and free!) concert in a hidden park. We feasted on street crepes, picnicked in lush gardens, and basically became Métro masters.
And through it all, our TwelveSouth companions made every step easier, every moment more enjoyable. The AirFly Pro 2 kept us entertained and connected on the journey, the ButterFly SE ensured our essential devices were always juiced up and organized, and the PlugBug Slim with Find My? Well, it simply kept us from losing our cool (and our charger!) in the middle of a bustling foreign city.
If you’re dreaming of an overseas adventure, especially one where efficiency, smart packing, and a big dose of fun are high on your list, these Twelve South products aren’t just gadgets – they’re your new favourite travel buddies.
What do you think? Ready to pack your bags and head to Paris?
