Traveling Overseas For The First Time

Hello, next month my family is traveling to France with our priest and other church members. I’m really excited but have never gone overseas before, and I haven’t flown on a plane since 1994! I could use some traveling tips.

-I was thinking of bringing one carry-on with as little clothes as possible. Is there a travel size laundry detergent where I could wash clothes in the hotel sink? Or is there a better way of doing this?

-I was going to bring a backpack but someone suggested an over the shoulder bag to prevent stealing. Do you have suggestions on a good kind?

-What did you bring on the plane to keep you busy besides your phone?

-Any other tips? Thank you!